Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing French ace, club receive Trent Alexander-Arnold boost, and more - July 19, 2024

Real Madrid are working to touch greater skies under Carlo Ancelotti next season. The Italian manager lost just two games in the 2023-24 campaign, with his team winning the league, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a French midfielder. Elsewhere, the La Liga champions have received some good news in their pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from July 18, 2024.

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Real Madrid eyeing Adrien Rabiot

Adrien Rabiot

Real Madrid have their eyes on Adrien Rabiot, according to Mundo Deportivo. Carlo Ancelotti could be interested in midfield reinforcements this summer following Toni Kroos' retirement.

Luka Modric has signed a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu but is already in the final phase of his career. Dani Ceballos has struggled for game time lately and could be on his way in search of greener pastures. A new midfielder could become a priority for the Italian manager this summer and Rabiot has emerged as an option.

The Frenchman has officially left Juventus following the expiry of his contract and is available on a Bosman move right now. The 29-year-old is highly experienced and could be a fine option for the La Liga champions to consider. However, they will face competition from AC Milan for his signature.

Los Blancos receive Trent Alexander-Arnold boost

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold's close bonding with Jude Bellingham could pave the way for his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to The Independent. The English right-back has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool and is yet to sign a new deal.

Alexander-Arnold was integral to the Merseyside club's recent success but finds himself at a crossroads in his career. With Jurgen Klopp gone and the Reds embarking on a new journey under Arne Slot, the 25-year-old could also be open to a fresh adventure.

Real Madrid are expected to eventually lay down succession plans for the marauding Dani Carvajal, who is on the wrong side of 30 but still going strong. Alexander-Arnold could be a fantastic option for the job.

There's no dearth of interest in the Englishman, but his close bond with Bellingham could see him end up at the Santiago Bernabeu. A move could be on the cards next summer when Alexander-Arnold could become a free agent.

Real Madrid refused to pay over €25m for Leny Yoro, says Fabrizio Romano

Real Madrid missed out on Leny Yoro because they refused to match Lille's asking price for the player, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The French defender was a target for the La Liga giants earlier this summer.

Carlo Ancelotti is expected to target a new defender this year following Nacho Fernandez's departure. Yoro is a rising star on the European circuit and was initially willing to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Manchester United have since won the race for his services, with the English club confirming the same.

In his column for Caught Offside, the transfer guru said Los Blancos refused to pay more than €25m for the 18-year-old.

“Real Madrid made their move but it was always the same, clear strategy: join now for €20-25m or join next summer on free transfer. Real have been clear with Yoro but he didn’t want to wait longer, Real were never going to pay €50m for a player out of contract in one season," wrote Romano.

Romano added that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were also interested in Yoro.

"Man United’s strategy was expensive but absolutely smart and perfect, the only way to sign the player. Paris Saint-Germain were also interested but Yoro wanted to try a new challenge in a different league, so really it was Real Madrid who were the main rivals to United in this deal," wrote Romano.

"Yoro waited one week for Real Madrid, but they were out of the conversation with Lille after they accepted Man United’s bid. Then after a week of waiting, they understood that Yoro eventually decided to accept the chance to move to Old Trafford instead," he added.

The Frenchman has agreed to a five-year deal with the Premier League giants with the option to extend for a further year.