Despite Arbeloa's appointment, calm has not returned to Real Madrid. On the contrary, the club has tumbled out of the Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern and surrendered the La Liga title. Barcelona now stand to clinch the crown this Sunday in the return leg of El Clásico. For the second straight season, Vinicius and co. are set to finish trophyless.
Reports suggest Arbeloa has fallen out with several players, creating an "explosive" dressing-room atmosphere, and the former Madrid defender is again on the brink of the sack. President Florentino Pérez is said to be leading a full-scale search for a replacement, with José Mourinho as his preferred candidate.
Meanwhile, Vinicius is expected to sign an extension to his current contract, which runs until 2027. Over a year ago, the forward announced he would soon put pen to paper on fresh terms with the La Liga giants; the delay has fuelled speculation that the Brazilian could depart. However, reports now indicate that both parties have reached agreement in principle, with only final details to be confirmed.