Real Madrid plot January move to sign 18-year-old Premier League star as replacement for Dani Carvajal: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly looking to sign Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong in the January transfer window. The news comes from The Independent, which claims that Los Blancos have always held an interest in the 18-year-old (via Metro).
The Spanish giants are currently dealing with a problem at right-back after Dani Carvajal picked up a serious knee issue. With the Spain international set to be out for a prolonged period this campaign, Carlo Ancelotti needs to find solutions to this problem.
Moreover, the 32-year-old is seemingly entering the final phases of his professional career and is only contracted at Santiago Bernabeu till 2026. Therefore, it could be the right time for Real Madrid to consider long-term prospects to replace Carvajal.
The aforementioned report states that the La Liga outfit could even be willing to throw Acheampong into the first XI should the youngster decide to move. However, it is clarified that the Blues currently have no intention of letting go of their academy product, who is extremely valued at Stamford Bridge.
The England under-19 international primarily operates as a right-sided full-back but can also fill in for centre-halfs if needed. To date, he's made just two appearances across competitions for Chelsea's senior team.
If Real Madrid come calling, the youngster may be tempted to move away, given he could enjoy regular first-team minutes in the Spanish capital. Moreover, Los Blancos are serial winners who would provide Acheampong the chance to compete for top honors on a regular basis.
Ancelotti and Co. managed to win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles in the 2023-24 season.
Real Madrid monitoring Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as they look for January move - Reports
Real Madrid are monitoring the situation of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports from Marca (via Daily Mail). According to the Spanish outlet, the Reds are sweating over the defender's future, with his contract at Anfield running out in the summer of 2025.
As per the aforementioned report, Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to renew his deal and could leave the club as soon as January. Should he leave in the winter, Liverpool would be able to make some money from the deal rather than letting their player walk away for free next summer.
To date, the England international has made 319 senior appearances across competitions at Anfield, bagging 19 goals and 83 assists. He's won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League once each, among other honors with the Reds.