Coach challenging Arsenal unexpectedly catches the attention of Real Madrid

Real Madrid is keeping an eye on a standout Premier League manager while his club battles intensely against Arsenal for the top spot.

According to Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez, Real Madrid is seriously considering appointing Unai Emery as head coach starting next summer. The Spanish tactician, currently leading Aston Villa, is seen as an unexpected choice as the Bernabeu club prepares for a crucial managerial transition.

At present, Real Madrid continues to trust Alvaro Arbeloa, who recently succeeded Xabi Alonso and is expected to bring long-term stability. However, the club’s leadership has clearly defined the evaluation criteria: performance in the Champions League and La Liga for the remainder of the season will determine the young coach’s future.

Arbeloa started positively with three consecutive wins, reigniting fans' confidence. Nevertheless, the 2-4 loss to Benfica in the Champions League dealt a heavy blow to Real Madrid’s ambitions and pushed them into a risky playoff round. This defeat has considerably heightened the pressure on Arbeloa.

In this context, Unai Emery has emerged as a safe yet experienced option. Having won the Europa League multiple times and worked at PSG, Arsenal, and Villarreal, Emery is highly regarded for his ability to build tactics, optimize resources, and adapt to elite European environments.

At Aston Villa, Emery has engineered a remarkable transformation. From a mid-table team, Villa has become a genuine force in the Premier League. This season, "The Lions" are placed third in the standings, just four points behind leaders Arsenal, maintaining consistent form against top opponents.

However, whether Real Madrid will actually negotiate with Emery depends on end-of-season results. If Arbeloa fails to meet expectations, the royal club is likely to opt for a high-profile, experienced coach to lead their new project, and Emery clearly ranks among the top candidates.

​