Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Spanish duo, club have Carlo Ancelotti worry, and more - December 6, 2024
Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their LaLiga game against Girona on Saturday, December 7. Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Athletic Bilbao in midweek.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have identified two Spanish midfielders as priority targets in 2025. Elsewhere, the LaLiga champions are worried about Carlo Ancelotti.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from December 6, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Martin Zubimendi and Rodri
According to Onda Cero, Real Madrid have set their sights on Rodri and Martin Zubimendi. The LaLiga giants plan to upgrade their midfield in 2025, following a poor showing so far.
Toni Kroos' departure has opened up a void in the middle of the park the current crop is struggling to address. Federico Valverde was handed the responsibility but hasn't lived up to expectations.
Eduardo Camavinga hasn't done any better either, while Dani Ceballos is likely to be on his way next year. Luka Modric is already in the final phase of his career and cannot be expected to start week in and week out.
The situation has forced Los Blancos to turn to the market for reinforcements and they have identified the Spanish duo as options to improve their midfield. However, prising them away won't be easy.
Rodri remains integral to Manchester City's plans and Pep Guardiola won't let him leave as long as he is at the Etihad.
Meanwhile, there's tremendous competition for Martin Zubimendi, with clubs from the Premier League also hot on his heels. However, Real Madrid are willing to fight for the duo next summer.
Los Blancos have Carlo Ancelotti worry
Real Madrid are worried that Carlo Ancelotti may not be able to turn things around at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to journalist Rodra. The Italian manager has struggled to get his team firing on all cylinders, while he hasn't managed to get the most out of Kylian Mbappe either.
Ancelotti's decision to trust senior players, irrespective of their form, and overlook younger talents like Endrik and Arda Guler hasn't sat well with the Los Blancos hierarchy. The LaLiga champions are worried that their manager's abilities have diminished compared to last season.
Real Madrid have already lost five of the last 11 games, including demoralizing defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan. The results have raised questions about Ancelotti's future, with Xabi Alonso previously linked to the hot seat at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Premier League clubs eyeing Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni is generating interest from the Premier League, according to Mundo Deportivo. The French midfielder has failed to impress this season and remains linked with an exit from Real Madrid.
Tchouameni struggled against Athletic Bilbao in midweek and there's a belief that he doesn't have the quality to play for Los Blancos. Despite his form, the player's stock remains high, with Liverpool and Arsenal among clubs who have already tried to prise him away.
The 24-year-old was previously reluctant to leave the LaLiga champions, but could be more open to a departure now. Carlo Ancelotti already has a readymade replacement in Eduardo Camavinga, who could step up in the role. Aurelien Tchouameni's contract expires in 2028.