Just in – Mourinho is Real Madrid president’s favourite candidate to replace Arbeloa; has €3m break clause

Just in – Mourinho is Real Madrid president’s favourite candidate to replace Arbeloa; has €3m break clause

In a major development, David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana of The Athletic report that Jose Mourinho has emerged as Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s favourite candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.

The Portuguese tactician, who is currently in charge of Benfica, has a €3 million break clause in his contract with the club, which could pave the way for a return to the Bernabeu in the summer.

Arbeloa took charge of the Real Madrid first team in January after the sacking of Xabi Alonso. However, things have simply not gone his way, with the Merengues set to finish the season without any trophies.

With reports of dressing room unrest growing as well, Real Madrid have decided to make changes in the summer, with Arbeloa set to depart.

And, now, according to The Athletic, Mourinho is seen as the ideal candidate by Perez, who has taken it fully upon himself to make the right managerial appointment this time around.

Set to return to the Bernabeu? (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Last summer, when Carlo Ancelotti left, Alonso’s appointment was chiefly driven by club CEO Jose Angel Sanchez, with Perez only giving the final green light.

This time around, the president wants to be in full control of the decision and sees Mourinho as the right pick.