Carvajal's frustration boils over as Arbeloa axes Camavinga at Real Madrid

The turbulence at the Bernabeu shows no signs of abating. Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal is understood to be fuming at his persistent omission from Alvaro Arbeloa's team sheet, with Spanish outlets claiming the right-back could seek pastures new if his exile continues.

It's been a chaotic campaign in the Spanish capital, punctuated by Xabi Alonso's sacking just half a year into his tenure following a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona in early January. Whispers had circulated that dressing room figures harboured reservations about the former Liverpool midfielder's approach before his departure.

Arbeloa inherited the hot seat on the same day, with speculation already swirling that he could be replaced before the season's end by figures such as Jurgen Klopp, Jose Mourinho of Benfica, or Aston Villa's Unai Emery.

Carvajal endured an inconsistent run under Alonso but has barely featured since Arbeloa's arrival. The Spain international missed the latter months of 2025 before returning to fitness over a month ago, yet remains benched. In Sunday's 2-0 victory over Valencia, David Jimenez got the nod at right-back, only to be replaced by Trent Alexander-Arnold—seemingly the long-term solution to the position.

The captain's predicament has left him seething. Spanish media suggests Carvajal is "very angry and contemplating departure" having failed to reclaim his customary berth following injury recovery. Reports indicate Arbeloa has made eyebrow-raising tactical calls, deploying Fede Valverde out of position and handing minutes to reserve team prospect Jimenez ahead of his captain. For Carvajal, the message cuts deep: not merely a temporary demotion, but an apparent withdrawal of confidence.

With his contract expiring in the summer, the full-back is "open to exploring alternatives" should his treatment remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, Arbeloa has reportedly delivered an ultimatum to Eduardo Camavinga: the France midfielder "will not pull on a Real Madrid shirt again." The manager has set a price of €50 million plus €20 million in add-ons for his summer departure, convinced the midfielder is underperforming expectations.

Liverpool have already been touted as frontrunners for Camavinga's signature, with the Premier League side preparing to table a formal bid.

On a brighter note for Arbeloa, Kylian Mbappe was amongst the goalscorers in the Valencia rout. The manager believes his compatriot possesses the pedigree to eventually eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo's goal-scoring legacy at the club.

"We believed we'd never witness anything like Cristiano, yet Kylian is on that trajectory," Arbeloa reflected. "He's the finest player on the planet right now, without question. What Cristiano achieved seemed almost superhuman—untouchable. Kylian's journey is longer, given Cristiano's years here. But he has the calibre. If anyone can replicate it, it's Kylian."