Real Madrid Identify Top Candidate to Replace Alvaro Arbeloa After Benfica Loss

Real Madrid have reportedly picked out their preferred target if they decide to part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa.

Former Madrid and Liverpool full-back Arbeloa was promoted from Castilla to the first team after Xabi Alonso's departure earlier in the month.

After losing his first match in charge against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, Arbeloa's men went on a three-match winning streak, beating the likes of Levante, Monaco and Villarreal.

However, on Wednesday night, it was a poor showing from Madrid in the UEFA Champions League as they were beaten 4-2 by Benfica, led by ex-Los Blancos boss, Jose Mourinho.

As a result, Madrid will now have to take part in a play-off tie in order to keep their Champions League journey alive.

Looking ahead, Arbeloa's position remains uncertain, with the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Jurgen Klopp previously linked with a move to the Bernabeu.

Now, it has been claimed that Madrid have picked out their top target just in case they decide to part ways with Arbeloa.

As reported by Radio Marca's Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is in the 'best position' for the Madrid job should they look for a new manager this summer.

He wrote on social media: "If Real Madrid were to decide on a coaching change at the end of the season, Unai Emery would be the best positioned.

"There have already been conversations in recent days to gauge his availability."

Unai Emery has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Image: Getty

Emery, 54, is one of the most highly-respected coaches in Europe, having taken charge of clubs like Valencia, Sevilla, Paris Saint Germain, Arsenal and Villarreal.

Since moving to Villa in 2022, Emery has led the Midlands club to Champions League qualification, and they are currently in a Premier League title race alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

So far, Emery has managed 172 matches for Villa, with a record of 97 wins, 30 draws and 45 defeats, which equates to a win rate of 56.40 per cent.

Emery famously won three UEFA Europa League titles in a row when he was in charge of Sevilla. The Spaniard also led Villarreal to glory in the same competition, beating Manchester United in the final during the 20/21 season.