Arsenal’s hopes of signing Real Madrid’s dynamic midfielder Eduardo Camavinga have been dealt a significant blow following Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s glowing assessment of the young star. The Gunners, alongside other European heavyweights, have been linked with the €40million (£35m, $46.5m) France international, but Alonso’s recent comments and Camavinga’s growing role in the Real Madrid squad suggest a transfer is highly unlikely.
Camavinga, who joined Real Madrid from Rennes in 2021, has long been admired for his versatility, energy, and technical ability. Capable of playing as a central midfielder or even as a left-back, the 22-year-old is known for his relentless work rate, ball recovery skills, and ability to drive attacks forward. Despite struggling with injuries earlier in his career, Camavinga has returned to full fitness and is now making his mark under Alonso’s management.
In Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, Camavinga delivered a standout performance. Starting in midfield, he showcased his dynamism and adaptability, earning high praise from Alonso. Speaking to Real Madrid’s official website, the former Liverpool star described Camavinga’s display as “tremendous,” emphasizing his importance in dominating the midfield against a formidable opponent. Alonso highlighted the team’s collective effort but singled out Camavinga for his exceptional contribution, signaling that the young Frenchman is firmly in his plans.
Alonso’s admiration for Camavinga is not a one-off. After Real Madrid’s match against Getafe, the manager lauded the midfielder’s “very complete performance,” noting his ability to create mismatches and adjust to the demands of the game. Earlier in September, following a game against Levante, Alonso praised Camavinga’s versatility, pointing out how he seamlessly transitioned from a defensive role to contributing in the final third. “You saw that he started one play as a 6 and then finished it as a 10, almost reaching our last line of offence,” Alonso said. “He’s a very dynamic player with a very good skill set.”
These comments underline Alonso’s intent to integrate Camavinga into Real Madrid’s rotation on a regular basis. Having given the midfielder his first start of the season against Getafe and then trusting him in the high-stakes El Clasico, Alonso is clearly building his squad around the Frenchman’s unique talents. This development is a clear message to Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain—clubs reportedly interested in Camavinga, according to Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo—that Real Madrid have no intention of parting ways with their prized asset.
Arsenal’s interest in Camavinga comes as no surprise. The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, are keen to bolster their midfield with a player of Camavinga’s profile: young, versatile, and capable of thriving in high-intensity systems. Arsenal have also been linked with Camavinga’s teammate, Rodrygo, indicating their ambition to target Real Madrid’s emerging stars. However, Alonso’s comments and Camavinga’s recent performances suggest that the midfielder is not only staying at the Bernabeu but is set to become a cornerstone of Alonso’s project.
Sources indicate that Real Madrid are resolute in their stance on Camavinga’s future. Despite speculation about his role earlier in the season, particularly with interest from Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, the Spanish giants are focused on nurturing his development. Alonso’s gradual approach to reintegrating Camavinga into the squad has paid dividends, and his performances in key matches demonstrate his growing importance.
The possibility of Real Madrid pursuing other elite midfielders, such as Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister or Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, has fueled speculation about Camavinga’s long-term role. However, for now, Alonso’s faith in the 22-year-old and Real Madrid’s firm stance make a move to Arsenal or any other club highly improbable.
For Arsenal, the message is clear: Camavinga is not for sale. Alonso’s one-word verdict—“tremendous”—after El Clasico encapsulates the midfielder’s value to Real Madrid and serves as a warning to suitors that prising him away from the Spanish capital is, for now, an unthinkable move. Arteta and Berta may need to turn their attention elsewhere as they look to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.