Emery's Madrid Blueprint: Vinicius Out, Rogers In as Real Madrid Eyes Dramatic Overhaul

Unai Emery has reportedly made his intentions crystal clear to Real Madrid's hierarchy: if he's to take charge at the Bernabéu, he'll demand the controversial departure of a key player and wants to bring in an Aston Villa star to reshape the club's attacking structure.

The speculation intensifies as Real Madrid faces mounting pressure under interim boss Álvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso after the German tactician's sacking earlier this month. Arbeloa's early tenure has been turbulent—two defeats in five matches, most notably a damaging 4-2 Champions League loss to Benfica that leaves Madrid requiring a play-off to advance to the knockout stages.

With Jurgen Klopp showing no appetite for a managerial return, Emery has emerged as Florentino Pérez's leading candidate. Journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon confirmed on Thursday that the Villa boss is "best positioned" to land the job, with preliminary discussions already underway to test his availability.

Spanish outlet Nacional has now detailed Emery's two principal demands should he make the switch from Birmingham. The first—and most contentious—centres on Vinicius Jr. Emery wants the Brazilian sold, creating space to construct Real Madrid's attack around Kylian Mbappé, but not in his current central-forward role.

Instead, Emery envisions Mbappé operating from the left wing, mirroring his Paris Saint-Germain deployment. This tactical shift would transform the number nine position into a false nine—a hybrid playmaker capable of dropping deep and operating between the lines. The coach believes such a restructuring requires Vinicius's departure, arguing Real Madrid would achieve superior balance without him.

The sale of the Brazilian winger would generate substantial funds, ease the wage bill, and finance Emery's key recruitment target: Morgan Rogers.

The Aston Villa forward has flourished under Emery's management this season, transforming into a versatile attacking threat. Rogers can function as a false nine, midfielder, or inside winger—exactly the profile Emery believes Madrid needs. The plan would allow Mbappé to dominate the left flank while Rogers operates deeper, supporting play between the lines and enabling midfielders like Jude Bellingham to drive forward with greater freedom.

Emery considers Rogers the ideal fit for this hybrid role, viewing him as a player capable of delivering the different attacking dimension Real Madrid requires—one that doesn't rely on a traditional centre-forward but instead emphasises movement, creativity, and midfield support.