Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Bayern Munich want Aurelien Tchouameni; Manchester City eyeing Toni Kroos, and more - October 14, 2023
Real Madrid have started the season with a bang and are leading the La Liga title race after nine games. Los Blancos have lost just one once across competitions so far.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are considering a move for Los Blancos midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. Elsewhere, Manchester City are looking to prise veteran midfielder Toni Kroos away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on October 14, 2023:
Bayern Munich want Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni
Bayern Munich are interested in Aurelien Tchouameni, according to Defensa Central.
The French midfielder joined Real Madrid last season but endured a difficult debut campaign. There was speculation regarding his future this summer, but Los Blancos opted to keep the 23-year-old.
Tchouameni has repaid their trust this season, emerging as an indispensable figure under Carlo Ancelotti. His form has been key to Real Madrid's succession plans for Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The Frenchman has appeared 11 times across competitions this season, scoring once.
The Bavarians are impressed with his performances and want to bring him to the Allianz Arena. Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel wants to add more steel to his midfield and has set his sights on Tchouameni, but prising him away from Los Blancos would be complicated.
Manchester City eyeing Toni Kroos
Manchester City are planning to lure Toni Kroos to the Etihad next summer, according to The Hard Tackle.
The Real Madrid midfielder will be out of contract at the end of the season bur hasn't signed a new deal yet. Kroos has struggled for game time this campaign, with Ancelotti opting for younger blood in the middle of the park.
The German has appeared 11 times across competitions this season, registering one goal and two assists. However, he has started just five times, which has raised doubts about his future.
City manager Pep Guardiola worked with the 33-year-old during their time at Bayern Munich and is itching for a reunion at City. The Premier League champions are willing to offer Kroos a massive contract worth £13 million per year to convince him to move to the Etihad.
Vinicius Junior opens up on Carlo Ancelotti
Vinicius Junior has said that Carlo Ancelotti is like a father figure in his life. The Italian manager has enjoyed an impressive second spell at Real Madrid, but his contract with the club expires at the end of the season. Ancelotti is said to have agreed to take charge of the Brazil national team next summer.
If that turns out to be true, it would mean that Vinicius would continue to work under the Italian, even if he leaves Los Blancos. Speaking to L'Equipe, the Brazilian admitted that Ancelotti has helped him improve both on and off the pitch.
"He's like father and son. He talks to us about everything. Thanks to him, I've been able to cope better with moments for which I wasn't particularly prepared.
"He always pushes me and wants me to keep a cool head. Well, when it's time to 'tell me off', he doesn't hold back either? At that moment, I tell myself it's too much! Then I think about it, and there is never a coincidence. He always does it because he has to," said Vinicius.
Vinicius also expressed a desire to win the Ballon d'Or but said that helping the La Liga giants win trophies remains his first priority.
"Hopefully (he will win the Ballon d'Or), but priority to the team. Like Karim. He gave all his assists to Cristiano, and it was always Cristiano who took the trophy. In the end he ended up winning it.
"I always talk about the importance of my teammates. If I score 60 goals in a season but we don't win, it's no use. How can I win a Ballon d'Or if in the end my team didn't win anything? I think we all work together," said Vinicius.
Vinicius has appeared seven times for Real Madrid this season across competitions, registering three goals and one assist.