Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Arsenal ace, club make Luka Modric decision, and more - January 2, 2025
Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their game against Valencia in LaLiga on Friday, January 3, at the Mestalla. Carlo Ancelotti's team are second in the league table after 18 games this season, with Atletico Madrid a point ahead at the top.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have set their sights on an Arsenal defender. Elsewhere, the reigning champions have made a decision regarding Luka Modric's renewal.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from January 2, 2025.
Real Madrid eyeing William Saliba
Real Madrid are planning a move for William Saliba, according to SPORT. The LaLiga giants are preparing to concentrate on their backline this year amid a series of injuries in defence.
Los Blancos opted against signing a replacement for Nacho Fernandez, who left the club last summer. Meanwhile, Eder Militao is out for the campaign with an ACL injury, while David Alaba is yet to return to full fitness.
Real Madrid are a little short at the back and want to move for Saliba to address the issue. The Frenchman is under contract with Arsenal until 2027 and the Gunners have no desire to let him go.
The report adds that the north London side turned down a €95 million offer from Paris Saint-Germain for the 23-year-old a couple of months ago. However, that hasn't deterred Los Blancos, who have been in touch with the player's camp to discuss a move.
Initial talks have been positive and the club are confident of prising him away with an offer of €100 million. There's a strong contingent of French players at the Santiago Bernabeu so William Saliba could feel right at home with a move. This includes the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Kylian Mbappe.
Los Blancos make Luka Modric decision
Luka Modric's time at the Santiago Bernabeu could be coming to an end, according to Real Madrid Confidencial. The Croatian midfielder has entered the final six months of his contract and hasn't been offered a new deal yet.
The report now adds that the club hierarchy have decided against tying Modric down to an extension. The player will turn 40 in September and it now appears that Los Blancos are concentrating on the future. Luka Modric has appeared 25 times across competitions this season, but only 10 of them have been starts.
Carlo Ancelotti wants Trent Alexander-Arnold in January
Carlo Ancelotti has asked Real Madrid to secure the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, according to The Daily Mail. The English right-back's contract with Liverpool is set to run out in six months and he hasn't agreed to an extension yet.
Los Blancos are keeping him under close watch as they prepare for a Bosman move at the end of this season. The club are laying down succession plans for Dani Carvajal and have identified Alexander-Arnold as an option.
The LaLiga giants would ideally like to secure the Englishman's services for free in the upcoming summer. However, Ancelotti wants the player on his roster in January to help deal with Carvajal's absence due to an ACL injury.
Real Madrid reportedly offered €10 million to sign the player this month but their proposal was rejected by the Reds. Los Blancos are now preparing to return with an improved offer of €15 million. However, Liverpool apparently want €25 million for Alexander-Arnold in January, which the LaLiga giants are unlikely to pay.