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Real Madrid secured a 4-2 win over Sevilla on Sunday (December 22) in LaLiga. Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo Goes, and Brahim Diaz scored the goals to help Carlo Ancelotti's team climb to second in the league table.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos will lock horns with Chelsea for the services of a Sporting CP midfielder. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions are planning to bring Rafa Marin back in January.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from December 23, 2024.
Real Madrid face Chelsea competition for Dario Essugo
Real Madrid will face competition from Chelsea in the race to sign Dario Essugo, according to AS. The Portuguese defensive midfielder is currently on loan at Las Palmas from Sporting CP and has been quite impressive this season.
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Essugo has registered one goal from 14 games across competitions and has subsequently turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos are planning to upgrade their midfield at the end of this season amid the uncertainties surrounding Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman has struggled to impress in his 20 outings this season and remains linked with an exit. Real Madrid have apparently turned to Essugo to address the situation.
The 19-year-old reportedly has a €60m release clause in his contract, which shouldn't be a problem for Los Blancos. However, they will face competition from Chelsea in the race for the Portuguese.
The Blues have targeted emerging talents around the world of late and Essugo fits the bill. They also have the finances to go head-to-head with the Spanish champions.
Los Blancos eyeing Rafa Marin return
Real Madrid are plotting a loan move for Rafa Marin in January, according to SPORT. The Spanish defender moved to Napoli this summer in a €12m deal but has struggled for game time in Italy.
Marin has registered just two appearances in the Italy Cup this season and has yet to earn his Serie A debut. Despite his struggles at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, the 22-year-old remains well-regarded at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos are in a defensive mini-crisis, as both Eder Militao and David Alaba are sidelined with ACL knocks. While the Brazilian is out for the season, the Austrian is expected to return to action in January.
However, the LaLiga giants still want to shore up their backline at the turn of the year and want Marin for the job. They are considering a temporary offer for their former player.
AC Milan eyeing Alex Jimenez stay
AC Milan are planning to address Real Madrid's buy-back options for Alex Jimenez, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Los Blancos are seeking a new left-back amid Ferland Mendy's poor form and reportedly have their eyes on Alphonso Davies.
The Canadian's contract with Bayern Munich expires next summer and he hasn't signed an extension. The LaLiga champions are apparently planning to sign him for free next year.
However, they could also be tempted to bring Jimenez back to the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid have a €9m buy-back clause which can be activated next summer and a €12m option for 2026.
However, the Rossoneri want the Spaniard to stay, especially amid the uncertainties surrounding Theo Hernandez's future. AC Milan are now planning to talk to their LaLiga counterparts regarding the matter in the next few months.
