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Real Madrid are looking to further improve their impressive squad before the end of the summer. Carlo Ancelotti will no longer have the services of Toni Kroos and Nacho Fernandez while adding Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to his squad.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a Liverpool full-back. Elsewhere, the La Liga champions are inching closer to securing the services of Julian Alvarez.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from August 3, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Trent Alexander-Arnold
Real Madrid are working to move for Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2025, according to AS. The La Liga giants are scouting the market for a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal, who is already on the wrong side of 30.
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Alexander-Arnold has all the qualities to replace the Spaniard at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Englishman has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool and hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Los Blancos are attentive to the situation and are quietly working to secure the 25-year-old's services on a Bosman move next summer. Real Madrid are in regular contact with the Englishman's camp and want him to turn down a renewal proposal at Anfield.
Los Blancos edging closer to Julian Alvarez
Real Madrid have received a boost in their efforts to sign Julian Alvarez this summer. According to Football 365, Manchester City are willing to allow the Argentinean to leave this summer amid reports that he remains unsettled at the club.
The 24-year-old has an enviable CV at a relatively young age, having won multiple trophies with club and country. However, he remains behind the mercurial Erling Haaland in the pecking order at the Etihad and is craving regular football.
Alvarez recently hinted that he will decide his future after the Olympics. City are now reluctant to keep a disgruntled player in their ranks and will allow him to pursue pastures anew. It was previously believed that the Premier League champions would demand £60m for the Argentinean, but they are now willing to let him go for £40m.
The stage is set for Los Blancos to take advantage. The La Liga giants are yet to sign a proper replacement for Karim Benzema and Alvarez could be their man.
Despite their attacking riches, Real Madrid do not have an established No. 9 in their ranks and they could be tempted to move for the 24-year-old.
Carlo Ancelotti backs Vinicius Junior to win Ballon d'Or
Carlo Ancelotti has backed Vinicius Junior to lift the Ballon d'Or this year. The Brazilian forward was in red-hot form for Real Madrid last season, registering 24 goals and setting up 11 more from 39 games across competitions.
His efforts were key to Los Blancos' triumphant run in the league, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana. He is among the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or trophy this year alongside his teammate Jude Bellingham.
The Englishman was also decisive for the La Liga champions last season, registering 23 goals and 13 assists from 42 games in all competitions. Bellingham helped The Three Lions reach the Euro 2024 final as well.
Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal's name has also been added to the mix following his superb form with club and country, having helped La Roja lift Euro 2024. Rodri is another candidate for the coveted trophy this year, as he was crucial to Manchester City's Premier League triumph while also playing a starring role in Spain's Euro 2024 win.
However, speaking on The Obi One podcast, Ancelotti put his money on Vinicius to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
"In my opinion, I think Vinicius will win. It’s true that Carvajal did really well, because he won the league, The Champions League and scored, and won the Euro. But Vinicius, a talented player, young, good image, won the league, won the Champions League scoring in the final and semi-final. He scored 2 in Munich,” said Ancelotti
“Jude had a fantastic season. Winning the Champions League, winning the league, and it was a big surprise. The best player of the league season. Rodri also is a fantastic midfielder, one of the best midfielders in the competition, and consistent,” he added.
Vinicius registered 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions last season.
