Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Spurs ace, Trent Alexander-Arnold advised to stay at Anfield, and more - August 7, 2024
Real Madrid are working to sustain their superb form from last season. Carlo Ancelotti's team won the La Liga, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana trophy in the 2023-24 campaign.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a Tottenham Hotspur defender. Elsewhere, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been advised to turn down a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from August 7, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Cristian Romero, says journalist
Real Madrid are interested in Cristian Romero, according to journalist Paul O Keefe.
Carlo Ancelotti is looking to bolster his backline this summer after his defense was stripped to bare bones by injuries last season.
With David Alaba yet to regain full fitness, and Nacho Fernandez gone, a new defender has quickly emerged as a priority for the Italian manager. Ancelotti is set to start the season with Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger as his only senior centre-backs and has turned to the market for solutions.
Romero has popped up on his radar, following some outstanding performances for club and country. He could be a fine addition to Ancelott's roster, but Tottenham Hotspur have no desire to let him go.
The north London club have apparently slapped a £150m price tag on the Argentinean and the La Liga giants have balked at their asking price.
Los Blancos were reluctant to meet Lille's valuation for Leny Yoro earlier this summer, with the player ending up at Manchester United. As such, it is highly unlikely that they will continue their pursuit of Romero.
Former player advises Trent Alexander-Arnold to stay at Anfield
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has advised Trent Alexander-Arnold to turn down a move to Real Madrid. The English right-back has entered the final year of his contract with the Merseyside club and is yet to sign a new deal.
Recent reports have suggested that Alexander-Arnold has turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos are apparently eyeing the 25-year-old as Dani Carvajal's successor.
Speaking to SPORTbible, Carragher admitted that the La Liga giants could move for Alexander-Arnold next summer.
“I've always believed he would stay. It's up for debate. He's going to be the next captain. He's a local lad. I always think you have that greater affinity when you're a local player. I certainly did, Steven Gerrard didn't go to Real Madrid or Chelsea because it was Liverpool," said Carragher.
"You've got to remember Real Madrid have got a decent right-back, he's just won the Euros, and I think he's won the European Cup about six times. He's not a dud. My fear is that Real Madrid are thinking of signing him in another year's time because I don't think they're ready to offload [Dani] Carvajal just yet. Maybe in a year's time - who knows?" he added.
Alexander-Arnold was crucial to the Red's success under Jurgen Klopp.
Former player backs Kylian Mbappe to succeed at Santiago Bernabeu
Arsenal legend Robert Pires has backed Kylian Mbappe to be successful at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French superstar arrived at the Spanish club this summer following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Los Blancos have been hot on his heels for ages and have been rewarded for their patience this summer. Mbappe already has the world at his feet but is expected to take his game to a higher level under Carlo Ancelotti.
Speaking to MARCA, Pires said he is delighted with his compatriot joining the La Liga champions.
“I am very happy that Mbappé signed for Madrid. We all know that it is the biggest club in the world, they know how to win titles. More and more great players are going to play there because everyone wants to sign for Real Madrid,” said Pires.
“For Kylian, it’s a great opportunity to reach another level. He played for Monaco, PSG, and France, but Real Madrid is another level above. Let’s see what he achieves in the white shirt, I hope it goes very well and that he lifts many titles,” he added.
Mbappe scored 256 goals and set up 108 more from 308 games across competitions for PSG, helping the club win six Ligue 1 titles among other honors.