Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos plan swap deal for Chelsea ace, club agree Ferland Mendy renewal, and more - July 27, 2024
Real Madrid have achieved a long-term dream this summer by securing the services of Kylian Mbappe. However, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make further additions to his squad before the end of the transfer window.
Los Blancos are working on a swap deal involving Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andriy Lunin. Elsewhere, the La Liga champions have reached an agreement to keep Ferland Mendy at the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from July 27, 2024.
Real Madrid plan swap deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga
Real Madrid are planning to swap Andriy Lunin with Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer, according to AS. The Chelsea goalkeeper spent last season on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu, and is no longer part of Enzo Maresca's plans at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Lunin has entered the final year of his contract with Los Blancos and hasn't agreed to a new deal yet. The Ukrainian stepped up to the occasion last season following Thibaut Courtois' injury and was outstanding for the club.
However, the Belgian's return to fitness in the final weeks of the campaign relegated Lunin back to the bench. The 25-year-old is apparently considering his options and the Blues are interested.
Maresca took charge of the London giants this summer and is seeking an upgrade on Robert Sanchez. Lunin fits the bill and could be tempted at the chance of regular football.
The La Liga champions would prefer to keep hold of the Ukrainian, but his contract situation could force their hand. They have already identified Kepa as an able replacement, and the Spaniard also has his heart set on a return to Madrid.
Los Blancos agree Ferland Mendy renewal
Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Ferland Mendy regarding a new deal, according to journalist Jose Felix Diaz. The French left-back's contract expires in 2025 and Los Blancos' pursuit of Alphonso Davies has raised questions about his future.
However, Carlo Ancelotti was always in favour of keeping hold of the Frenchman and has even communicated the same to the club.
Mendy was quite impressive under the Italian last season and relegated new signing Fran Garcia to the bench as the season progressed.
With Bayern Munich desperate to tie Davies down to a new deal, the La Liga champions have decided to keep their trust on Mendy. An agreement has been reached, with the player expected to sign a new three-year deal once he returns from his holiday.
Former player sends Kylian Mbappe warning
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has warned Kylian Mbappe that he will have to be humble if he wishes to settle in quickly at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French superstar made his long-awaited move to Real Madrid this summer after the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Los Blancos have been hot on his heels for a while and twice failed in previous attempts to secure his signature. Mbappe joins Carlo Ancelotti's already impressive arsenal, which boasts the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes as well as Jude Bellingham.
In his column for Caught Offside, Collymore insisted that Mbappe must behave in the dressing room and say the right things to be accepted by his teammates.
"They (Real Madrid players) won’t really care that he (Mbappe) was a Real Madrid fan as a kid or that he had Cristiano Ronaldo posters on his wall. Players like Dani Carvajal have been there, seen it, got the t shirt and so there’ll be two or three that will be looking at him and seeing how he is in the dressing room," wrote Collymore.
He continued:
"As I was told when I joined Liverpool, ‘play the political game,’ because obviously, if he doesn’t, he’ll find things very different to Paris Saint-Germain on and off the pitch."
He concluded:
"So, Kylian Mbappe, who has been top dog and massively over indulged for so long, will have to fall in line fairly quickly, be humble and say the right things. If he doesn’t, there’ll only be problems down the road.”
Mbappe's position in Carlo Ancelotti's team is uncertain, with Vinicius already operating in the Frenchman's preferred left-forward role.