Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Sevilla ace, club not interested in Martin Zubimendi, and more - December 21, 2024
Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their upcoming LaLiga tie against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, December 22. Carlo Ancelotti's team are third in the league table after 17 games, a point behind Barcelona who have played a game more.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a Spanish ace who plays for Sevilla. Elsewhere the LaLiga champions are not eyeing a move for Martin Zubimendi at the moment.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from December 21, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Juanlu Sanchez
Real Madrid have set their sights on Juanlu Sanchez, according to AS. The LaLiga champions are scouting the market for a new right-back following Dani Carvajal's ACL injury.
Recent reports have already named Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold as the club's preferred choice for the job. However, it now appears that Real Madrid are also eyeing a move for Juanlu.
The 21-year-old has been a first-team regular for Sevilla this season, registering three goals and two assists from 14 games across competitions. The Spaniard is also versatile enough to operate in midfield as well as in attack, which makes him an enticing prospect for Los Blancos. The player's contract runs until 2026 and he reportedly has a €25m release clause.
Los Blancos not interested in Martin Zubimendi
Real Madrid are not planning a move for Martin Zubimendi, according to Defensa Central. Los Blancos have long had their eyes on the Spanish midfielder, but he is no longer a priority target for the club.
The LaLiga giants believe they are well stocked in the middle of the park. As such, Zubimendi's proposed arrival could jeopardize the balance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spaniard reportedly has a €60 million release clause in his deal, which makes him an enticing prospect for his suitors. However, Real Madrid are working to reinforce other areas of the pitch at the moment and do not plan to move for the 25-year-old.
Former player advises Trent Alexander-Arnold to sign a new deal
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has advised Trent Alexander-Arnold against leaving the club for free. The English right-back is in the final year of his contract with the Reds and hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid are planning to sign him on a Bosman move at the end of this season. The LaLiga champions are looking for a new right-back to cover for and eventually replace Dani Carvajal. Los Blancos have their eyes on Alexander-Arnold for the job and are hoping to sign him for free next summer.
However, in his column for The Daily Telegraph, Carragher urged the 26-year-old to sign a new deal so the club can get a proper fee on his departure.
"That is the biggest issue for Trent – the free transfer. As with Macca [Steve McManaman], the supporters will feel that the club are losing an £80 million player for nothing, and they will not like it. My advice to Trent would be to sign a new deal, with a reasonable buyout clause, that will give the club some value if Real or anyone else decide to meet it," wrote Carragher.
Alexander-Arnold has registered four assists from 20 games under Arne Slot this season.