Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Serie A star, club identify Leny Yoro alternative, and more - June 22, 2024
Real Madrid are working to improve their squad before the onset of the new campaign. Carlo Ancelotti will once again aim to win everything on offer in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have entered the race to sign a Serie A midfielder. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions have identified an alternative to Leny Yoro.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from June 22, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Adrien Rabiot
Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Adrien Rabiot this summer, according to Sportitalia. The French midfielder's contract with Juventus is set to expire next week and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Rabiot was a first-team regular under Massimiliano Allegri in the 2023-24 campaign, registering five goals and three assists from 35 games. The Bianconeri remain eager to tie him down to a new deal and are already working on an extension.
However, talks haven't been fruitful yet, prompting his suitors to take note. Los Blancos have reportedly turned their attention to the situation. The La Liga champions are expected to sign a new midfielder before the start of the upcoming campaign.
Toni Kroos has already played his last game for Real Madrid and will hang up his boots at the end of Euro 2024. Meanwhile, speculation is ripe regarding Dani Ceballos' future. Carlo Ancelotti could turn to Rabiot to address the situation.
The Frenchman has the qualities and experience to excel at the Santiago Bernabeu. He will be a free agent next month, which will also suit Los Blancos' finances. However, the European champions will face competition from Liverpool for the 29-year-old.
Los Blancos identify Leny Yoro alternative
Real Madrid have identified Riccardo Calafiori as an alternative to Leny Yoro, according to Corriere de Bologna. The La Lig champions are looking for defensive reinforcement this summer. Rafa Marin is reportedly on his way to Napoli and Nacho Fernandez remains heavily linked with a move to the Middle East.
The situation has prompted Carlo Ancelotti to bring in reinforcements before the new campaign. Yoro has been identified as the ideal candidate for the job, but Lille's valuation of the 18-year-old has posed a problem to Los Blancos' plans.
Real Madrid are unwilling to break the bank for a player who will enter the final year of his contract this summer. They would have preferred to wait for him to become a free agent next year. However, there's too much interest in the Frenchman at the moment and he is unlikely to stay with the Ligue 1 side.
As such, the European champions have begun to look at other targets and Calafiori has popped up on their radar. The 22-year-old was key to Bologna's rise in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 37 appearances across competitions.
The Italian defender's efforts have earned him admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu. The player is likely to be available for an affordable fee this summer.
Liverpool want Brahim Diaz
Liverpool are planning to take Brahim Diaz to Anfield this summer, according to Fichajes.net. The Spanish midfielder held his own at Real Madrid in the 2023-24 campaign amid intense competition for places in midfield.
Diaz registered 12 goals and nine assists from 44 games, turning heads at multiple clubs. The Reds are plotting to revamp their squad following the arrival of Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement.
The midfield has been identified as an area that needs to be reinforced and Diaz has emerged as an option. The 24-year-old was mostly used as a substitute in the recently concluded campaign and could be open to a move that guarantees him regular game time.
Diaz is under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2027, and Los Blancos would like him to stay and provide depth to their squad. However, the Merseyside club are determined to get their man this summer and are even willing to offer €50m for the Spaniard.