Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos want Tottenham ace, Arsenal not in talks for Andriy Lunin, and more - June 14, 2024
Real Madrid are looking ahead to the new campaign after a blockbuster 2023-24 season under Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager is already plotting to improve his enviable squad this summer.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have set their sights on a Tottenham Hotspur defender. Elsewhere, Arsenal are not in talks to sign Andriy Lunin this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from June 14, 2024.
Real Madrid want Cristian Romero
Real Madrid have set their sights on Cristian Romero, according to journalist Esteban Edul. Carlo Ancelotti is expected to bolster his aging defense before the start of the new campaign.
Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Nacho Fernandez are all on the wrong side of 30. In addition, Nacho's future remains uncertain as his contract is set to expire at the end of this month. The Italian manager wants a long-term partner for Eder Militao, and Romero has emerged as an option.
The Argentine has enjoyed a steady rise in the world for football in recent years, etching his name in folklore after helping La Albiceleste win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He has also earned plaudits for his efforts with Tottenham Hotspur, prompting interest from Los Blancos.
Speaking recently, as cited by TN Sports, Edul said the La Liga giants are ready to take the 26-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu.
“There is one player out of the 29 who is working with Scaloni today who is wanted by a top team. Many say he is the best in his position. The player that Leo Gabes says has a survey, an enquiry or an interest from Real Madrid is Cuti Romero,” said Edul.
Romero has been integral to Ange Postecoglou's plans in the 2023-24 season and is tied to Spurs until 2027. As such, securing his services will be tough this summer.
Arsenal not in talks for Andriy Lunin, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal are not in talks to sign Andriy Lunin this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Ukrainian goalkeeper's contract with Real Madrid will expire at the end of next season and he is reportedly considering his options.
Meanwhile, David Raya, signed on loan from Brentford last summer, is all set to sign a permanent deal with the Gunners this year. Aaron Ramsdale lost his place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI in the 2023-24 campaign and is expected to leave. Recent reports have suggested that the Premier League club have identified Lunin as the ideal replacement for the Englishman.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano has refuted those claims.
“Andriy Lunin – Some surprise reports have linked the Real Madrid goalkeeper with Arsenal, but Arsenal are only focused on David Raya staying on a permanent deal, I’m not aware of this Lunin to Arsenal story to be honest,” wrote Romano.
He added:
“Real Madrid still consider their new contract proposal to the player valid, and so it’s up to Lunin now to decide.”
Lunin is likely to seek a regular place in the starting XI if he ends up leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos eyeing Joan Garcia
Real Madrid have set their sights on Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to AS. The Spanish champions are considering reinforcements between the sticks amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Andriy Lunin.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper covered admirably for Thibaut Courtois in the 2023-24 season but was relegated to the bench after the Belgian returned to fitness. Lunin is reportedly frustrated by the situation and could leave in search of greener pastures.
The situation has forced Los Blancos to turn to the market and they have identified Garcia as an option. The 23-year-old was thrust into action in March this year following an injury to Fernando Pacheco and did not disappoint.
Garcia registered 11 clean sheets from 19 appearances and kept his place even after Pacheco returned to full fitness. The 23-year-old has a contract with Espanyol until 2028 and his release clause will rise above €20m if the team manage to secure promotion to La Liga.