Florentino Perez had taken an emerging Real Madrid that had everything he needed and ruined it by throwing a superstar-shaped spanner into the works. Arsenal, a carefully drilled unit that in some ways resembled the 2024 European champions at their best,

Since retiring from football very much on his terms two years ago, Gareth Bale has put some distance between himself and the game he devoted his life to. The Wales legend bowed out at the relatively tender age of 33 having amassed a stunning haul of silverware at Real Madrid that included five Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has long been linked with a summer transfer to Real Madrid. The full-back's Liverpool contract expires in the summer, meaning he could mo