Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos confident of Florian Wirtz move; Carlo Ancelotti eyeing Italian ace, and more - July 7, 2024
Real Madrid enjoyed a stunning 2023-24 campaign, winning the La Liga, UEFA Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana. Los Blancos are working to further improve their roster to go again next season.
Meanwhile, the La Liga giants are confident of securing a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz in 2025. Elsewhere, Carlo Ancelotti is interested in Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on July 7, 2024:
Real Madrid confident of Florian Wirtz move
Real Madrid are confident of winning the race for Florian Wirtz next summer, according to SPORT. The German midfielder is one of the finest players of his generation and is a sought-after man this summer.
However, Wirtz is unlikely to leave Leverkusen this year, but an exit is likelier next summer. There's likely to be a rush for his services in 2025, with Barcelona also hot on his heels.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a stunning 2023-24 campaign with Leverkusen, helping them win a league-and-cup double. He ended the season with 18 goals and 20 assists in 49 games across competitions.
Los Blancos are impressed with his efforts and are eager to see him at the Santiago Bernabeu. Toni Kroos has retired, so the La Liga giants want another talented German to take the legendary midfielder's place.
However, prising him away won't be easy, as the player is expected to cost above €100 million. Meanwhile, there's a lot of competition for his signature, with Bayern Munich also in the mix. However, Real Madrid are confident of winning the race due to their cordial relationship with Leverkusen.
Carlo Ancelotti eyeing Federico Chiesa
Carlo Ancelotti wants to bring Federico Chiesa to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, according to Fichajes. The Italian forward has blown hot and cold since joining Juventus, so the Serie A giants are willing to let him go this year.
Chiesa registered 10 goals and three assists in 37 games across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign. His contract expires in 2025, but the Bianconeri are not planning on offering him a new contract. The 26-year-old will be allowed to leave for €25-30 million, and Ancelotti wants him in his roster.
The Italian manager has already welcomed Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to his already impressive attacking arsenal. However, Los Blancos have seen Joselu leave, while Rodrygo Goes remains linked with an exit.
As such, a move for Chiesa could make sense, especially as he could be available in a cut-price deal.
Manchester City want Andriy Lunin
Manchester City have set their sights on Andriy Lunin, according to Bernabeu Digital. The Ukrainian goalkeeper enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu, helping Real Madrid deal with Thibaut Courtois' absence.
Lunin registered 12 clean sheets in 31 appearances across competitions, playing a vital role in the club's league and Champions League double. However, he dropped down the pecking order following Courtois' return.
The 25-year-old is frustrated by the situation and is considering his future. The player's contract with Los Blancos runs till 2025, but he hasn't agreed to an extension yet. The La Liga giants could be forced to consider his exit if Lunin continues to stall a new deal.
City are paying close attention to the developments as they look for Ederson's replacement. The Brazilian goalkeeper is heavily linked with a move to the Middle East this summer.
If Ederson leaves, the Premier League champions could move for Lunin. Real Madrid are trying to convince the Ukrainian to stay but are likely to let him go if he asks to leave.