Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: William Saliba wanted at Los Blancos, club face competition for Liverpool ace, and more - October 5, 2024

Real Madrid welcome Villarreal to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, October 5, for their La Liga tie. Carlo Ancelotti's team remain unbeaten in the league this season, but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lille in the Champions League in midweek.

Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger wants William Saliba at the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, Los Blancos face competition from two European superpowers in the race for a Liverpool fullback.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 5, 2024.

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William Saliba wanted at Real Madrid

William Saliba

Antonio Rudiger wants Williams Saliba at Real Madrid. The French defender has been outstanding for Arsenal in recent seasons and is key to their rise under Mikel Arteta.

Recent reports have suggested that his efforts have turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos remain in the market for defensive reinforcements following Nacho Fernandez's exit this summer.

With Rudiger and David Alaba on the wrong side of 30, the La Liga giants are likely to invest in a new defender in 2025. Saliba could be a fine long-term partner for Eder Militao at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking to Inside Scoop as cited by acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Rudiger added that the 23-year-old's arrival could help in squad rotations.

“I say William Saliba (a player that Real Madrid should sign). I’m very happy (with) Militao. But there’s so many games, so we would rotate, so to have Saliba… It would be great,” said Rudiger.

William Saliba is under contract at the Emirates until 2027 and prising him away will be neither easy nor cheap.

Los Blancos face competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid will face competition from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to TBR Football. The English full-back has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool and is yet to agree to a new deal.

Los Blancos have reportedly identified Alexander-Arnold as the perfect successor for Dani Carvajal, who is already on the wrong side of 30. Recent reports have suggested that the La Liga giants have already initiated contact with the player's representative regarding a Bosman move in 2025.

It now appears that Real Madrid will have to ward off competition from PSG and Bayern in the race for the 25-year-old. However, the presence of Jude Bellingham, a good friend of Alexander-Arnold, at Santiago Bernabeu could tilt the tide in Los Blancos' favor.

Rivaldo backs Vinicius Junior to win Ballon d'Or

Vinicius Junior

Barcelona legend Rivaldo has backed Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d'Or this year. The 24-year-old was on inspired form for Real Madrid last season, helping them win the league and the Champions League.

Vinicius ended the campaign with 24 goals and 11 assists from 39 games across competitions. He has started the new season on a similar note, already scoring three goals and setting up seven more from 11 games.

Speaking recently, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Rivaldo insisted that his countryman has done enough to win the Ballon d'Or.

“The first one should be Vinicius. Even though he didn’t win the Copa America… because it’s true that he didn’t have a good Copa America. But he did a lot with Real Madrid. He deserves it,” said Rivaldo.

Rivaldo also named Rodri and Jude Bellingham among his top three for the award.

“I would also put Rodrigo from Manchester City in there, in his case more for having been a Euro champion. And he has also been winning important titles with City for some time, as well as the Premier League,” said Rivaldo.

“In third place, I would put Bellingham, who had a fantastic season with Real Madrid. You can always put several stars in there… but my top 3 would be this one,” he added.

Rodri won the Premier League with Manchester City last season and guided Spain to the Euro 2024 trophy this summer.