Midfield priority rules out move to Real Madrid – ‘It would be … — and more

Real Madrid will look to address the engine room of their side this summer, making a move to improve their midfield two seasons after the arrival of Jude Bellingham, and more crucially, after the exits of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Los Blancos have struggled to adapt without their long-time controllers in the middle of the pitch, but it seems that the insistence on Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde as partners for Aurelien Tchouameni has ended.

Reportedly, Xabi Alonso had requested an addition in the middle of the pitch last summer, as had Carlo Ancelotti the year before. Real Madrid were confident they could make it work with their current options, but after watching three managers, including Alvaro Arbeloa, unable to find the solution, it seems they will act this summer.

Vitinha rules out Real Madrid move

The dream signing in the position as it has been termed, is Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha. Although there was an acknowledgement that any deal would be complicated, the Portugal international remained top of their shortlist. However he has now ruled out a move to the Spanish capital.

Image via Fichajes

“It would be foolish to leave. I don’t think it would be the best thing for me. I feel great here at PSG! I feel like people really appreciate me, and I’ve earned that affection. I love being here; my family does too. The group is fantastic, and the coach is incredible,” he told Canal 11, as quoted by Diario AS.

Real Madrid’s alternatives for midfield

That would appear to rule out any pursuit of Vitinha, as the first step would have been him pushing for a move. Other names mentioned are Kees Smit, whose price tag is a concern at the Bernabeu, or Adam Wharton, for whom interest appears to have faded. The economic alternative is Chema Andres, who left Castilla last summer, but has impressed at Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.

Inter Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu is reportedly in line for his first Serie A start since early January as the Nerazzurri take on AC Milan on Sunday.

According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the Turkish midfielder will regain his place in the middle of the park at the expense of Piotr Zielinski.

Hakan Calhanoglu suffered a nasty calf injury during Inter’s 2-2 home draw against defending champions Napoli at the beginning of the calendar year.

Therefore, he has not started any of Inter’s last eight league matches, though he made a cameo appearance in a dramatic Derby d’Italia win over Juventus.

Furthermore, he returned to the scoresheet last weekend, converting a penalty in a 2-0 victory over Genoa.

Hakan Calhanoglu to Start in AC Milan vs Inter Milan Clash

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Manager Cristian Chivu brought the 32-year-old back to the starting XI in Tuesday’s scoreless Coppa Italia draw at Como.

Moreover, the 45-year-old is ready to hand the former AC Milan man his first league start in two months this weekend.

On the other hand, Zielinski, who has excelled in this role during Calhanoglu’s absence, will move further up the pitch.

Indeed, instead of operating as a deep-lying playmaker, the Polish ace will take Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s place on the left side of midfield.

The Brighton manager, Fabian Hürzeler, accused Arsenal of playing by their own rules in a void left by weak Premier League refereeing after the Gunners' 1-0 win at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday.

Bukayo Saka’s early goal moved Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the table, with Manchester City drawing 2-2 at home against Nottingham Forest.

'I think there was only one team who tried to play football today,' said Hürzeler. 'If they win the Premier League, no one will ask how ... [But] I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way.

'Of course, every team will manage and waste time but there has to be a limit, and the limit has to be set by the Premier League.'

• ‘Only one team tried to play’: Hürzeler hits out at Arsenal after win at Brighton