Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Arsenal ace; club make Kepa Arrizabalaga decision, and more - July 1, 2024
Real Madrid won the La Liga title, the Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2023-24 campaign. The Italian manager lost just two games in the entire season, both to Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in Arsenal defender William Saliba. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions won't pay over the odds for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories as on July 1, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing William Saliba
Real Madrid have set their sights on William Saliba, according to Caught Offside. The La Liga champions are expected to sign a new defender this summer, following Nacho Fernandez's decision to leave.
Carlo Ancelotti has Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger as his options for the centre-back position, with the latter two on the wrong side of 30. The Italian manager is looking to use the transfer window to address the situation.
Los Blancos already have their eyes on Lille starlet Leny Yoro, who is in the final year of his contract with the club. The 18-year-old could be on the move this summer and reportedly prefers a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid have also identified Saliba as an option this year and remain keen to secure his services. Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the 23-year-old and are apparently willing to offload Milan Skriniar to facilitate a move.
Saliba enjoyed an exceptional season with Arsenal, so the Gunners are unlikely to entertain any offers for their star man this summer. The Frenchman is under contract at the Emirates till 2027, so they are under no pressure to sell him.
Los Blancos make Kepa Arrizabalaga decision
Real Madrid are unwilling to meet Chelsea's asking price for Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to SPORT. The Spanish goalkeeper spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu and is no longer part of the Blues' plans.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti could be forced to delve into the market for a new goalkeeper amid the uncertainties surrounding Andriy Lunin's future. The Ukrainian is in the final year of his contract but is ready to leave in search of regular football.
The La Liga champions are apparently willing to move for Kepa if Lunin leaves. It has also been reported that the Spanish goalkeeper is itching for a return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Chelsea want €25 million to let the 29-year-old leave this summer. Los Blancos have no desire to pay that amount and if they decide to move for Kepa, they will try to get a deal done for less.
Real Madrid considering Fran Garcia exit
Fran Garcia could leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, according to SPORT. The Spanish left-back was brought back to Real Madrid last summer to eventually replace Ferland Mendy, but hasn't lived up to expectations.
The Frenchman proved his naysayers wrong in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 37 appearances across competitions. Ancelotti is pleased with the 29-year-old and wants him to stay.
Los Blancos are already eyeing a move for Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, either this summer or next year. As such, the La Liga champions want to free up a place in their squad to make space for the Canadian.
They have now decided to listen to offers for Garcia. The 24-year-old registered 31 appearances across competitions in the recently concluded season, many of which were from the bench. Borussia Dortmund are apparently eyeing him with interest.