Not Rodrygo nor Mendy… Real Madrid is preparing to sell a first-team star after the Club World Cup for €50 million!

Real Madrid touched down in the United States early Monday morning as preparations begin for their highly anticipated participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. Led by newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso, the players are focused on their opening fixture, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

While all eyes are on the pitch, behind the scenes, transfer rumors are swirling — and this time, the noise isn’t about Rodrygo or Ferland Mendy. According to emerging reports, Real Madrid is seriously considering a €50 million sale involving a different first-team star.

Multiple sources, including Defensa Central, confirm that the player in question is Brahim Díaz, whose future at the Bernabéu is now the subject of heated debate. The talented Moroccan international, who played a significant role in last season’s campaign, has attracted strong interest from the English Premier League.

Among the clubs reportedly monitoring Brahim’s situation, Arsenal is currently leading the chase. The Gunners have turned their attention to Brahim after being priced out of a potential deal for Rodrygo Goes, another target they had been eyeing.

Manager Mikel Arteta is understood to be a long-time admirer of Brahim Díaz’s style and skill set. He believes the Real Madrid attacker would thrive in Arsenal’s system, particularly given his ability to unlock defenses, operate in tight spaces, and contribute creatively in the final third.

Insiders say Arsenal is preparing a €50 million bid, a figure that has reportedly piqued the interest of Real Madrid’s boardroom. Despite Xabi Alonso’s desire to retain the player, financial realities and long-term squad planning may force the club into tough decisions.

During his official unveiling as Real Madrid’s head coach, Alonso was clear about his philosophy: “It is always our responsibility to seek improvement in every aspect of the game, including squad planning. At this stage, I’m not asking for anything — I simply want to get started.”

His comments reflect a pragmatic approach — one that balances loyalty to his current squad with a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing demands of elite football. In private discussions, Alonso is said to highly value Brahim’s versatility and vision, yet he is also unwilling to stand in the way of a player seeking a bigger role elsewhere.

The Club World Cup will be Alonso’s first true opportunity to evaluate the team in a competitive environment, and for players like Brahim, it may also be their final chance to cement their place in his tactical plans.

Although Brahim has impressed whenever called upon, he has yet to fully establish himself as a nailed-on starter at Madrid. The potential arrival of new attacking talent and the return of injured stars could further complicate his future role in the team.

Real Madrid’s transfer policy, shaped by President Florentino Pérez and General Manager José Ángel Sánchez, is not just about current form — it’s about sustainability, squad balance, and financial prudence. If Arsenal comes forward with a formal offer, Madrid will have to weigh Brahim’s impact against the value of a lucrative transfer.

It’s worth noting that Brahim Díaz has not publicly expressed a desire to leave, but sources close to the player suggest he is eager for more consistent playing time. A move to the Premier League — and especially to a project like Arteta’s Arsenal — could be tempting.

Meanwhile, Madridistas are divided. Some fans see Brahim as a unique creative asset who deserves more minutes, while others argue that a €50 million profit on a rotational player is simply too good to pass up.

As the Club World Cup draws near, Brahim’s performances could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome. A standout tournament might persuade Alonso to keep him. On the other hand, an average showing could reinforce the club’s openness to negotiate.

What remains clear is that this is not a fire sale. Real Madrid is not desperate to offload Brahim Díaz, but they are being strategic—identifying which assets could generate funds without destabilizing the squad’s core.

The coming days will be crucial. With Arsenal reportedly ready to submit a formal proposal shortly after the Club World Cup concludes, Real Madrid will need to make a definitive choice about one of their most intriguing and skillful talents.

It may not be Rodrygo or Mendy who departs this summer — but Brahim Díaz could still be the surprise exit, marking yet another significant chapter in Real Madrid’s summer rebuild under Xabi Alonso.

Stay tuned.