Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Newcastle offer €80m for Arda Guler, Los Blancos eyeing Inter Milan ace, and more - August 1, 2024
Real Madrid have enjoyed great success under Carlo Ancelotti in recent seasons. The Italian manager is working to improve his squad over the summer to aim for higher skies in the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are willing to break the bank for Arda Guler this year. Elsewhere, Los Blancos have set their sights on an Italian defender who plays for Inter Milan.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from August 1, 2024.
Newcastle United offer €80m for Arda Guler
Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Arda Guler this summer, according to Defensa Central. The Turkish youngster has caught the imagination of clubs across the continent following an impressive run at Euro 2024.
Guler joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahce last summer, but his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu hasn't gone according to plans. The 19-year-old struggled with injuries and found it hard to break into Carlo Ancelotti's team.
However, he was impressive in the later stages of the season and finished with six goals from 12 games across competitions. He could struggle for game time next season, given the intense competition for places in Los Blancos' squad.
AC Milan are already eyeing a loan move for the Turkey international and now Newcastle United have joined the fray. The Magpies have apparently submitted a €80m bid to convince the La Liga giants.
Real Madrid have high hopes for Guler and have turned down loan offers for the player so far. However, their heads could be turned by the Premier League side's colossal offer.
Having offered Kylian Mbappe a substantial contract and signing-on bonus this summer, Los Blancos could be tempted to cash in on the 19-year-old.
Real Madrid eyeing Alessandro Bastoni
Real Madrid are willing to offer €30-40m for Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. The La Liga giants are in the market for defensive reinforcements following Nacho Fernandez's decision to end his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos initially had their eyes on Leny Yoro, but were pipped to the player's signature by Manchester United. Carlo Ancelotti remains keen to add more steel to his backline, especially since David Alaba is yet to regain fitness.
Bastoni has emerged as a candidate for the job. The Italian defender was outstanding for Inter Milan last season, helping them win the Serie A title. The 25-year-old appeared 37 times across competitions and was a rock at the back for the Nerazzurri.
Real Madrid are pleased with his efforts and are planning to move for him this summer. However, the Italian is under contract until 2028 and the Serie A champions want €80m to let him go.
Carlo Ancelotti opens up on replacing Toni Kroos
Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that Real Madrid could look to internally fill up the void created by Toni Kroos' departure. The legendary German said goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of last season.
Kroos has hung up his boots following Euro 2024 and his departure leaves a huge gap in Los Blancos' midfield. The 34-year-old was a first-team regular under Ancelotti last season, registering one goal and ten assists from 48 games across competitions.
It has been reported that the La Liga giants could target a new face to replace the German. Multiple names have subsequently been linked with Real Madrid, including Adrien Rabiot, who is a free agent.
However, speaking to the press as cited by Madrid Universal, Ancelotti insisted that he has enough quality in his squad to address the issue.
“We are missing Kroos, but we have all the possibilities to replace him. Not like him, because he has a lot of quality, but we have plenty. Vertical play is what we wanted also with Kroos. If you get into the opposition half quickly you have more chances to create problems for the opposition," said Ancelotti.
The Italian manager also remained coy when enquired about the possibility of Jude Bellingham replacing Kroos in the team.
“Where will Bellingham play? The closer he is to the box the better. We have Modric, Tchoaumeni, Valverde. We have the idea to defend well and repeat what we did well last year,” said Ancelotti.
Bellingham registered 23 goals and 13 assists from 42 games across competitions.