Real Madrid eye ex-Chelsea boss as next permanent manager after Alonso exit

Xabi Alonso's exit at Real Madrid and the club's subsequent appointment of Alvaro Arbeloa as interim manager have left Los Blancos in a state of uncertainty heading into the second half of the season.

Club president Fiorentino Perez is no stranger to big decisions, and it is unclear if Arbeloa will be given a permanent deal, regardless of results.

According to reports, the Spanish giants have identified former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as the perfect long-term successor to Xabi Alonso.

Maresca, who parted ways with Chelsea on New Year’s Day, has emerged as a surprise candidate to take the reins at the Bernabéu this summer.

Arbeloa’s tenure began with a "nightmare" debut, a shocking 3-2 exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Segunda Division side Albacete.

While Arbeloa is expected to see out the current campaign, reports suggest that Madrid are already vetting elite options for a permanent appointment in July.

Maresca’s reputation remains high in European circles despite his recent exit from Stamford Bridge. The Italian guided Chelsea to Europa Conference League and Club World Cup titles last year, and his tactical philosophy, heavily influenced by his time under Pep Guardiola, is said to be a "stylistic match" for the current Madrid squad.

Maresca is reportedly part of a high-profile shortlist that also includes Jurgen Klopp, though luring the German away from his executive role at Red Bull may prove difficult.

Zinedine Zidane, another contender, is widely tipped to take over the French national team after the 2026 World Cup. Maresca has moved to the forefront as a realistic long-term project manager.