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Real Madrid News Real Madrid defender refuses to give up as Mourinho promises fair battle with summer signing – report Marc Cucurella’s arrival at Real Madrid has changed the picture at left-back, but Alvaro Carreras is not ready to step aside. According to MARCA (h/t Madrid Xtra), Carreras remains determined to fight for his place despite the arrival of the Spanish international from Chelsea. While Cucurella is expected to become Jose Mourinho’s preferred option once the La Liga season gets underway, the Real Madrid manager has reportedly promised Carreras a fair opportunity to compete for the role. The battle for the Real Madrid left-back position is therefore far from over, even if Carreras now faces a much tougher challenge than he did just a few months ago. Cucurella’s arrival changes Real Madrid hierarchy Carreras returned to Real Madrid last summer and was initially viewed as the club’s leading option at left-back. However, his performances last season did not allow him to establish himself as the undisputed first-choice player in the position. That lack of complete control over the role was one of the factors behind Real Madrid’s decision to enter the market for another left-back. As a result, the arrival of Cucurella has now created direct competition. The former Chelsea defender arrives with major experience and, more importantly, Mourinho’s full backing. The Portuguese coach played a personal role in bringing Cucurella to the Santiago Bernabeu, calling the player directly to explain how he would fit into his plans. That detail offers a clear indication of how highly Mourinho rates the new signing. Cucurella’s status as a recent World Cup winner will also make him difficult to displace. Once Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign, all signs currently point towards the 28-year-old being Mourinho’s preferred choice at left-back. Still, the first indication of the competition came against Schalke, where Carreras started ahead of his new teammate. The decision was largely understandable, though, with Cucurella having only recently returned to training and not yet fully integrated into the squad. Mourinho promises Carreras a fair fight Despite the growing competition, Carreras has received an important assurance from Mourinho. The Real Madrid manager has promised the defender a fair battle with Cucurella for the starting position, giving Carreras every reason to believe that the hierarchy has not been permanently decided. That is particularly significant for the Spanish defender, whose opportunities could easily have appeared limited following Cucurella’s arrival. Carreras knows he now has to raise his level. He was unable to completely make the position his own last season, and Real Madrid’s decision to spend heavily on another left-back has increased the pressure. But rather than looking for an exit or accepting a reduced role, the defender wants to remain and compete. Real Madrid News Real Madrid revive interest in Spanish midfielder who could leave for a ‘suitable proposal’ Real Madrid have reportedly revived their interest in Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with Jose Mourinho said to be a strong supporter of a potential move. According to Graeme Bailey, the Spanish midfielder has once again emerged on Real Madrid’s radar as Mourinho looks to add more experience and control to his midfield. Zubimendi only joined Arsenal last summer in a €65 million move from Real Sociedad and was expected to become a central figure under Mikel Arteta. However, the situation appears to have changed following Arsenal’s decision to strengthen further in midfield with the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes. That development has raised questions within Zubimendi’s camp about his long-term role at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal willing to sell Zubimendi According to the journalist, discussions have already taken place as Zubimendi’s representatives assess his situation and explore the options available to him. The 27-year-old is understood to have concerns about whether he remains as important to Arteta’s plans as he initially expected when joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad. As far as Arsenal are concerned, they are not completely against the idea of allowing the Spain international to leave. While there is no suggestion that the club is actively pushing him towards the exit, they would be willing to consider a suitable proposal. That has opened the door for Real Madrid, who have admired Zubimendi for a long time and now appear to be exploring whether a deal could realistically be completed. The biggest issue will be Arsenal’s valuation of the player. Having invested €65 million in Zubimendi only last summer, the Gunners are unlikely to make his departure easy. Mourinho wants Zubimendi to bring experience Jose Mourinho is keen to bring more authority and experience into the holding midfield position, and Zubimendi is a player who fits the profile the Portuguese coach is looking for. Real Madrid’s interest in the Arsenal midfielder is not new, but Mourinho’s approval could give the pursuit fresh momentum. Interestingly, it is said that contact has been made regarding the midfielder, while sources close to the situation indicate that Zubimendi would be highly interested in the chance to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Real Madrid will need to determine Arsenal’s asking price first and then decide whether they are prepared to meet the financial demands required to sign a player who arrived in the Premier League only a year ago.