Jurgen Klopp reportedly linked to Real Madrid as Alvaro Arbeloa faces departure following poor results

Real Madrid plans to replace Alvaro Arbeloa with Jurgen Klopp while targeting a major summer transfer for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 3:45 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Football365

Management transition at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid is reportedly preparing for a significant change in leadership following a period of instability on the sidelines. Reports from Spain indicate that club president Florentino Perez has already made the decision to replace current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of the ongoing campaign. This development follows the dismissal of Xabi Alonso in January after a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, which led to Arbeloa taking the reins on an interim or short-term basis.

Mbappe informed of coaching shift

In a notable shift in club hierarchy and communication, superstar forward Kylian Mbappe was reportedly the first member of the playing squad to be informed of the upcoming managerial change. Perez personally conveyed the message to the French international, signaling that Arbeloa would not remain in his post for the next season. The move to involve Mbappe in these discussions highlights his central role in the club's long-term project and the president's desire for transparency with his marquee player.

Pursuit of Jurgen Klopp

The leading candidate to take over the managerial duties at the Bernabeu is former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp. The Real Madrid board believes the German tactician possesses the necessary authority and reputation to manage a high-profile dressing room. Klopp is viewed as the ideal figure to impose a defined and attractive style of play, characterized by high pressing and quick transitions, which the club feels has been lacking during recent tenures.