Three candidates have emerged on Real Madrid's shortlist to replace Alvaro Arbeloa.

Real Madrid could soon bid farewell to manager Alvaro Arbeloa, with three contenders now under consideration by the Royal Spanish club for the upcoming head coach role.

Real Madrid is reportedly considering appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their next head coach, while two other notable names, Jürgen Klopp and Didier Deschamps, are also mentioned among the potential candidates.

According to sources, a coaching change at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is unlikely before the season concludes. In the remaining period, Álvaro Arbeloa – who recently spoke about his future – is expected to continue leading the team before stepping aside this summer.

The Spanish Royal club was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Bayern Munich after Wednesday night's match. Additionally, they currently rank second in the La Liga standings, trailing leaders Barcelona by nine points. This raises the risk that the 2025-26 season could end in significant disappointment for the Madrid-based team.

As revealed by RMC Sport, Pochettino – who is expected to leave his role as head coach of the United States national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup – is highly regarded internally by President Florentino Pérez. Reports indicate Real Madrid has gathered extensive information regarding the Argentine strategist's ability to handle pressure. Meanwhile, Klopp – currently serving as Global Football Director for Red Bull GmbH – is also under consideration.

Manager Klopp, 58, left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season before signing a four-year contract with Red Bull in January 2025. Meanwhile, Deschamps also appears on the shortlist, as the World Cup-winning coach is expected to depart the France national team after the 2026 World Cup concludes. However, at present, Klopp and Deschamps are viewed primarily as backup options, while Pochettino stands out as the leading choice.

Pochettino previously worked in La Liga, managing Espanyol from 2009 to 2012, achieving 53 wins, 38 draws, and 70 losses over 161 matches. He later moved to Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur before accepting a position at Paris Saint-Germain, where he secured three titles, including the Ligue 1 championship in the 2021-22 season.

The Argentine strategist joined Chelsea in July 2023 but stayed only one season. Since September 2024, he has served as head coach of the United States men's national soccer team, with a record of 13 wins, 2 draws, and 9 losses across 24 matches.

The 54-year-old manager is reportedly eager to return to a club environment this summer, and Real Madrid could offer him the opportunity to take charge of one of the world's most prestigious and tradition-rich football clubs.