Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Manchester City eyeing Los Blancos target, club suffer Trent Alexander-Arnold blow, and more - September 25, 2024
Real Madrid secured a 3-2 home win over Alaves on Tuesday, September 24, in La Liga. Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappe, and Rodrygo scored to help Los Blancos pick up all three points.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have set their eyes on a German midfielder also wanted at the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, the La Liga champions have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 25, 2024.
Manchester City eyeing Jamal Musiala
Manchester City have entered the race to sign Jamal Musiala, according to SPORT. The German midfielder will enter the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich in 2025 and is yet to sign an extension.
Real Madrid are among the clubs eyeing him with interest. The La Liga champions are preparing for a midfield overhaul in the coming years.
Toni Kroos retired this summer and Luka Modric isn't expected to carry on much longer. While Los Blancos are well stocked in the middle of the park, they want to keep their options open and have Musiala on their wish list.
However, Manchester City are already plotting to ruin their plans. Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of the 21-year-old and is apparently pushing to have him at the Etihad.
The reigning Premier League champions are ready to offer €100m for the Germany international, which could pose a problem for Real Madrid. Los Blancos have flexed their financial muscle in the transfer market when required, but they will be wary of competing with City's vast resources.
Instead, the La Liga champions could bank on the lure of the Santiago Bernabeu and the charm of the fabled white shirt to win this race.
Real Madrid suffer Trent Alexander-Arnold blow
Trent Alexander-Arnold would prefer to extend his stay at Liverpool, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The English right-back has entered the final year of his contract with the Merseyside giants and hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the situation. Los Blancos have an established right-back in Dani Carvajal, but he is already 32. The Spaniard's contract, incidentally, also expires in 2025, but he is expected to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, it is also vital to lay down succession plans for Carvajal, who has been integral to the La Liga champions' recent success. Real Madrid are confident that Alexander-Arnold can do the job and are planning to prise him away on a Bosnian move next summer.
However, it is now believed that the Englishman is settled at Anfield and is prioritizing an extension with the Reds. That could be a big blow to Los Blancos' plans.
PSG initiate contract talks with Achraf Hakimi
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have initiated contract talks with Achraf Hakimi, according to AS. The Moroccan right-back rose through the ranks at Real Madrid but left the club after failing to cement his place in the starting XI.
He has since established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world and has been linked with a return to the Santiago Bernabeu for a while. With Los Blancos actively looking to reinforce the position, the 25-year-old has been named as an option.
Hakimi has previously expressed a desire to return to his alma mater. With his contract set to expire in 2026, it was believed that the La Liga giants could explore a move at the end of this season.
However, it now appears that the Parisians are determined to keep him at the Parc des Princes for a while. Moreover, Real Madrid have a frosty relationship with the Ligue 1 champions following the 'Kylian Mbappe' saga. As such, securing Hakimi's services won't be easy.