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Real Madrid travel to the Estadio Municipal de Braga on Tuesday (October 24) to lock horns with Braga in the UEFA Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti's men are leading Group C, with two wins in as many games.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have received a boost in their efforts to bring Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies to the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are planning to move for Chelsea right-back Reece James in January.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on October 24, 2023:
Real Madrid receive Alphonso Davies boost
Real Madrid have received a boost in their plans to bring Alphonso Davies to the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Todo Fichajes, Bayern Munich are ready to let the 22-year-old leave next summer for €50 million. The Canadian left-back is a long-term target for the La Liga giants. Real Madrid signed Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano this summer but are seeking a more established replacement for Ferland Mendy.
They have identified Davies as the ideal candidate for the role and are planning to move for him in 2024. Interestingly, the Canadian's contract with the Bavarians expires in 2025, but he hasn't agreed a new deal yet.
The Bundesliga champions are desperate not to lose Davies for free and have set an asking price for him next summer. Apart from Los Blancos, Chelsea also have their eyes on the 22-year-old
Los Blancos want Reece James in January
Real Madrid are planning to move for Reece James in January, according to Fichajes.
The 23-year-old has been earmarked as the perfect successor for Dani Carvajal, who's in the final phase of his career. The Spanish full-back remains a key figure underAncelotti but is expected to slow down soon. Los Blancos want James to take his place and are eyeing a move at the turn of the year.
James has been indispensable for Chelsea in the last few years and signed a new deal last summer. He's contract runs till 2028, and he's also the club captain, so prising him away from Stamford Bridge won't be easy. However, the La Liga giants reckon they can secure a deal and are even willing to pay €40 million for his signature.
Real Madrid are convinced that James' arrival would sort out their right-back position for a decade. However, given his importance to Mauricio Pochettino's plans, the London giants are unlikely to let James go without a fight.
Chelsea are under no pressure to let their captain go and are likely to demand a premium for.
Kepa Arrizabalaga happy at Santiago Bernabeu
Kepa Arrizabalaga has said that he's happy at Real Madrid. The Spanish goalkeeper moved to the Santiago Bernabeu on loan from Chelsea this summer as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who picked up an ACL injury.
The 29-year-old has five clean aheets from 10 games across competitions this season for Los Blancos.
The Blues have signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer and are likely to let Kepa go. The Spaniard has previously expressed a desire to extend his stay with Los Blancos. Speaking to AS, Kepa refused to indulge in talk about his future.
“I don’t want to think in October what can happen in July. I’m very happy. I will not lack work and enthusiasm, and I will try to enjoy every minute to the fullest," said Kepa.
Los Blancos could permanently sign Kepa as a replacement for Andriy Lunin next summer.
