Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos want Arsenal ace, club eyeing Nico Williams, and more - September 8, 2024
Real Madrid will return to action on Saturday, September 14, with a trip to San Sebastian to face Real Sociedad in LaLiga. Carlo Ancelotti's team have won two and drawn as many in the league so far this season.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have set their sights on an Arsenal defender. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions are interested in Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 8, 2024.
Real Madrid want William Saliba
Real Madrid are considering a move for William Saliba in 2025, according to Fichajes. The reigning LaLiga champions wanted to sign Leny Yoro this summer to bolster their backline but were beaten by Manchester United in the race for his services.
Los Blancos bid adieu to Nacho Fernandez this summer and remain on the hunt for defensive reinforcements. With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba on the wrong side of 30, a long-term partner for Eder Militao is on their wish list.
Saliba fits the bill and Real Madrid reportedly had scouts in attendance to monitor him during the game against Aston Villa. The Frenchman has been outstanding for Arsenal in recent times and is one of the first names in the team sheet under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners consider him a key part of their setup as they aim to fight for trophies. As such, prising him away from the Emirates won't be easy. The 23-year-old is under contract with the north London side until 2027, so Arsenal are under no pressure to let him go.
However, the lure of the Santiago Bernabeu could prove to be too hard to resist for Saliba. Real have a knack for picking up trophies every season, while the same cannot be said about the Gunners. As such, the Frenchman could be tempted to join the LaLiga giants if they come calling.
Los Blancos eyeing Nico Williams
Real Madrid have identified Nico Williams as a possible replacement for Vinicius Junior, according to Fichajes. The Brazilian forward is an indispensable part of Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI at the moment.
However, he has been heavily linked with an exit in recent times, with Los Blancos apparently rejecting a massive offer from the Middle East for his services this summer. There's rising interest in the 24-year-old's signature, especially since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ideally, the LaLiga giants would like to keep hold of their prized asset, who is under contract with the club until 2027. However, they have identified Williams as a contingency plan should Vinicius leave.
The Spaniard has been very impressive for Athletic Bilbao of late, and is also wanted at Barcelona. The 22-year-old opted to stay at San Mames this summer despite the Catalans' best efforts, but is likely to leave next summer.
Saudi clubs are likely to reignite their interest in Vinicius in 2025. If he ends up leaving, Real Madrid could enter the race for Williams.
Carlo Ancelotti has no plans to retire just yet
Carlo Ancelotti insists that he is not thinking about retirement just yet. The Italian manager has enjoyed a new lease of life since taking charge at Real Madrid for his second spell in 2021.
Since then, Los Blancos have won the league and the Champions League twice, along with countless other trophies. The 65-year-old signed a new contract with the LaLiga giants last December that keeps him at the club until 2026.
Speaking at Mexico Siglo XXI, Ancelotti insisted that he enjoys the pressures of football management.
“A life without pressure or a little stress does not exist. Too much stress, no, but a little is fuel. The day I don’t have excitement before a match is the day I have to stop," said Ancelotti.
He continued:
"Before a match there is worry, there is a negative feeling thinking that it will not go well, that they will score a goal… When the match starts, everything stops. So, you have to look for calm to handle the situations of the game."
The legendary Italian added that he would only retire when his passion for the beautiful game diminishes.
“I will continue coaching until the fire I have for football dies down. Some great things have happened in my life, some difficult moments. My life has been normal. I have been lucky to have a job that is my passion. I am grateful to football for giving me that opportunity,” said Ancelotti.
He concluded:
“I still get nervous before a match, I feel pressure, and as long as that doesn’t change I will continue here. I see myself coaching for a long time, yes.”
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid have already identified Xabi Alonso as Ancelotti's replacement.