Real Madrid have Mauricio Pochettino on the shortlist to replace Álvaro Arbeloa as head coach next season, sources told ESPN. The LaLiga giants are evaluating different candidates for a major summer overhaul, with Pochettino highly regarded by president Florentino Pérez. Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January, faces an uncertain future after failing to turn around the team's fortunes.

Madrid's disappointing season has led to speculation about changes beyond the coaching position. The club invested more than £170 million in last summer's transfer window but several signings have underperformed. Sources indicate that head of scouting Juni Calafat's position is also under question despite his past success with talents like Vinícius Junior and Jude Bellingham. The Brazilian scout's relationship with Pérez may not be enough to secure his future.

Pochettino, currently coaching the United States national team, has previous experience in LaLiga and managing high-profile players. His two seasons with Kylian Mbappé at Paris Saint-Germain ended without Champions League success, including a 2022 round of 16 loss to Real Madrid. The former Tottenham manager was previously linked with the Madrid job after reaching the 2019 Champions League final with Spurs.