Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos suffer Rafa Marin blow, Arsenal want Arda Guler, and more - November 19, 2024
Real Madrid are looking ahead to their upcoming LaLiga tie against Leganes at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Sunday, November 24. Carlo Ancelotti's team are second in the league table, trailing leaders Barcelona by six points but with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have suffered a setback in their plans to bring Rafa Marin back to the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, Arsenal have set their sights on Arda Guler.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from November 19, 2024.
Real Madrid suffer Rafa Marin blow
Napoli will not consider an offer for Rafa Marin in January, according to AS. Real Madrid are in dire straits due to an injury ravaged backline and are assessing multiple targets ahead of the summer.
Los Blancos are without Eder Militao for the rest of the season after he picked up an ACL injury just before the international break. Meanwhile, David Alaba remains sidelined since December last year and is unlikely to return before January.
The situation has forced the LaLiga giants to turn to the market and Rafa Marin is a name that has been discussed. The Spaniard was allowed to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer to join Napoli.
While he hasn't managed to nail down a spot in Antonio Conte's defense so far, Marin is highly regarded at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. The Serie A giants believe he has a part to play with much of the season left, and will not consider an exit in the winter.
Real Madrid have a €25m release clause which will be active in 2026, and a €35m release clause for 2027. Napoli initially signed the 22-year-old for €12m this year, but can remove both release clause by playing an extra €10m by 2025.
Arsenal want Arda Guler
Arsenal have entered the race to sign Arda Guler, according to Fichajes.net. The Gunners are planning to replicate the 'Martin Odegaard' formula to prise the Turkey international away from Real Madrid.
Guler has struggled for game time with Los Blancos, registering just 307 minutes of football from 12 games this season. Only three of those have been starts, with Carlo Ancelotti preferring experience over youth this campaign.
The north London side found great success by convincing Odegaard to trade the Santiago Bernabeu for the Emirates in 2021. They are hoping to do the same with Guler.
The 19-year-old could be willing to move to the Premier League if he is guaranteed regular game time. However, the LaLiga giants have a €1bn release clause in his deal, which runs until 2029, so prising him away won't be easy. Arsenal will also face competition from Manchester United for the teenager.
Los Blancos willing to offload full-back duo
Real Madrid are planning for a complete overhaul of the left-back slot, according to Cadena SER. Los Blancos are already eyeing Alphonso Davies for the position, with the player's contract with Bayern Munich set to expire in just over six months.
The LaLiga giants have Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia for the position, but neither have managed to impress. It was previously believed that one of them would be sold in 2025 to make space for the Canadian speedster.
However, it now appears that Real Madrid are willing to offload both of them. That could pave the path for Miguel Gutierrez's return to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spaniard has caught the eye with Girona, and Los Blancos reportedly have a buyback option in his deal.