NEWS NOW;Real Madrid mainstay suspended for UCL quarter-final first leg against Arsenal

Real Madrid have been dealt a setback ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg, as Aurelien Tchouameni will be unavailable due to suspension. 

It must be noted that Tchouameni received a yellow card just before the 40th minute in Real Madrid’s recent European outing against Atletico Madrid after a challenge on fellow countryman Antoine Griezmann. 

This booking is his third in the competition so far, having already been cautioned in matches against Brest and Atalanta. Given UEFA’s disciplinary rules, accumulating three yellow cards results in an automatic one-match suspension.

Problem for Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti was already aware that several key players were at risk of suspension going into this stage of the competition. 

Alongside Tchouameni, Luka Modric, Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga, and even summer signing Endrick were all one booking away from missing a crucial fixture. 

Additionally, the Real Madrid manager himself was also in a delicate disciplinary position, adding another layer of concern for the club.

On the opposition side, Atletico Madrid’s Angel Correa and Jose Maria Gimenez are also walking a fine line, with the latter having already served a suspension earlier in the tournament. 

Tactical changes 

For Real Madrid, losing Tchouameni at this stage is far from ideal. The French midfielder has been a vital presence in the squad, particularly after returning to his preferred defensive midfield role, where he has brought stability and balance. 

His absence means Ancelotti will need to rethink his midfield setup, especially with Arsenal as their opponent. The English club has been in exceptional form, having scored nine goals over two legs in their previous round against PSV.

With the Champions League at its most demanding stage, every tactical decision will be crucial. 

Ancelotti must now carefully plan his midfield structure to compensate for Tchouameni’s absence, ensuring Real Madrid continue their push for another European triumph.

It is no secret that Real Madrid have set their sights on Trent Alexander-Arnold as a priority signing for the summer of 2025. 

In fact, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants are highly confident that they can bring the Liverpool full-back to Santiago Bernabeu, with internal discussions already taking place regarding his salary and contract details. 

The journalist mentions that a formal proposal has been made, and the club firmly believes he would be an excellent addition to their squad.

Perfect moment

Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season, and Real Madrid are working to secure him on a free transfer. 

Given his technical ability and attacking prowess, he is seen as an ideal fit for their long-term project. 

With Dani Carvajal entering the latter stages of his career, Real Madrid are keen to reinforce the right-back position with a player of Alexander-Arnold’s calibre.

Contacts established

The club’s approach to this transfer is in line with their recent strategy of making calculated signings without disrupting their wage structure. 

While they are determined to bring him in, they will not offer an excessive salary that could unsettle the financial balance within the squad. 

This measured approach has been evident in recent contract negotiations with key players, including Vinícius Jr.

The ball is now in Alexander-Arnold’s court. The decision rests on whether he is willing to leave Liverpool, where he has been a key figure for years, and take on a new challenge in Spain. 

If he decides to make the switch, he would not only strengthen Real Madrid’s defence but also add a new attacking dimension to their play.

With the summer transfer window still some time away, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds. If Real Madrid manage to secure his signature, it could be one of the most significant moves of the 2025 transfer window.