Mourinho's Real Madrid Return Gathers Pace as He Moves to Block Arsenal's Carreras Deal

Jose Mourinho appears to be closing in on the Real Madrid job after a significant development in the managerial merry-go-round has cleared his path to the Bernabéu.

Florentino Perez has reportedly settled on Mourinho as his top choice to replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso at the start of 2026 but has overseen a barren spell in terms of silverware. A second successive season without a major trophy represents an unacceptable outcome at a club of Real Madrid's stature, prompting the hierarchy to seek alternative leadership.

The Portuguese tactician, who previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 and claimed La Liga and Copa del Rey honours during that period, has emerged as the leading candidate ahead of rivals including Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Unai Emery and Joachim Low.

A breakthrough moment has arrived with Klopp's reported decision to pursue the German national team position. With Perez having accepted this development, Mourinho finds himself with considerably improved prospects. Spanish media suggests the Portuguese manager's candidacy has been substantially strengthened now that one of his principal competitors has stepped away from contention.

Carreras Transfer Under Threat

However, Mourinho is apparently not content to sit back and wait. Reports from Spain claim the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager is already attempting to shape Real Madrid's transfer strategy, specifically requesting that the club retain left-back Alvaro Carreras rather than allow him to depart.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had been tracking the defender, with Carreras said to be increasingly receptive to a move to the Emirates. Real Madrid had previously viewed the Spanish left-back as a potential sale to help balance the squad, but Mourinho's intervention has reportedly altered that calculation.

The Portuguese boss apparently prioritises maintaining defensive profiles that suit his tactical approach, and Carreras fits that specification. What was once considered an achievable transfer target for Arsenal now faces genuine uncertainty as Real Madrid contemplates whether to keep the player within their ranks.