Real Madrid are gearing up for the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta on Wednesday (August 14) at the National Stadium Warsaw. Carlo Ancelotti has upgraded his squad for the new season by roping in Kylian Mbappe and Endrick this summer.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have suffered a setback in their plans to take Trent Alexander-Arnold to Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, Arsenal are interested in a Brazilian forward.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from August 12, 2024.
Real Madrid suffer Trent Alexander-Arnold blow
Liverpool are increasingly confident of tying Trent Alexander-Arnold down to a new deal, according to Football Insider. The English defender has emerged as a target for Real Madrid, who are apparently planning to move for him in 2025 when his current contract with Liverpool ends.
Alexander-Arnold has been a key ingredient in the Reds' recent success under Jurgen Klopp. However, with Arne Slot replacing the German manager, speculation is ripe regarding the right-back's future.
To make matters worse, the 25-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract with the Merseyside club, hasn't agreed to an extension yet. Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on his situation and are reportedly planning to prise him away once he becomes a free agent next year.
The La Liga giants are looking for a new right-back to eventually replace Dani Carvajal, who is on the wrong side of 30. Alexander-Arnold is tailormade for the role and could be a fine fit at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Liverpool remain determined to keep hold of the player. Arne Slot sees the Englishman as a future captain at Anfield and wants him to stay. The Merseyside club are already locked in talks for a renewal and progress has been made in recent sessions.
The player has been offered a contract with a huge pay hike and the Reds are confident of completing the entire process in the coming months. Real Madrid, as such, may have to look elsewhere.
Arsenal eyeing Rodrygo Goes
Arsenal have set their sights on Rodrygo Goes this summer, according to Spanish radio network Cadena SER. The Brazilian forward has been a key figure for Real Madrid in recent seasons, but that could all change in the upcoming campaign.
With Kylian Mbappe and Endrick joining Carlo Ancelotti's squad, Rodrygo could find game time hard to come by. The Gunners are looking to take advantage of the situation and prise him away.
Mikel Arteta wants a new No. 9 to lead the line amid Gabriel Jesus' mixed form recently. Eddie Nketiah is on his way to Marseille and the Spanish manager has identified Rodrygo as the ideal man for the job.
The 23-year-old fits the age profile of the player targeted by the north London side in recent times. However, prising him away from Los Blancos won't be easy. The player is highly rated at the Santiago Bernabeu and could cost a fortune.
The La Liga giants will want him to stay as they fight for multiple trophies in the upcoming campaign. However, Rodrygo could be tempted to follow in the lines of Martin Odegaard, who went from being a fringe player with Real Madrid to one of the stars at the Etihad.
Los Blancos considering move for Vitor Reis
Real Madrid are considering a move for Vitor Reis this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. Carlo Ancelotti is in the market for a new defender following Nacho Fernandez's departure.
Los Blancos' pursuit of Leny Yoro didn't pan out as expected, with the player moving to Manchester United. The La Liga giants have now identified Vitor Reis as an option.
The Brazilian has earned rave reviews with his efforts for Palmeiras' youth side in recent years and has already broken into the senior team. Real Madrid are pleased with his performances and are already planning to take him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos have reached out to the Brazilian club and are discussing a potential transfer. The 18-year-old has a €100m release clause in his deal.