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Real Madrid are looking ahead to their trip to the Mestalla to face Valencia in the league on Friday, January 3. Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the game on second place in the LaLiga table, a point behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions are ready to cash in on a French defender this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from January 1, 2025.
Real Madrid suffer Trent Alexander-Arnold blow
Liverpool have reportedly rejected a cheeky bid from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, according to journalist Andy Hunter (via Caught Offside). The English right-back's contract with the Reds expires at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
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Los Blancos are attentive to his situation as they look to sign him on a Bosman move in the summer of 2025. However, the LaLiga giants are also in urgent need of a new right-back, with Dani Carvajal out with an ACL injury.
As such, Real Madrid have apparently tried to prise him away this month. However, their approach has been turned down by Liverpool.
The Reds have received no indication from the 26-year-old that he wants to leave. The two parties remain engaged in discussions of a new deal and the Merseyside club haven't given up hopes of extending his stay. However, all signs indicate that Alexander-Arnold's stay at Anfield is coming to an end in the summer of 2025.
Los Blancos ready to let French ace leave
Real Madrid are ready to listen to offers for Aurelien Tchouameni, according to Todo Fichajes (via Caught Offside). The French midfielder has failed to live up to expectations at the Santiago Bernabeu since arriving in the summer of 2022.
Tchouameni has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool and it now appears that the Reds can secure his services later this year. Tchouameni has registered 20 appearances this season for Los Blancos, and has recently been deployed as a makeshift centerback.
Arsenal advised to sign Arda Guler
Arsenal insider Charles Watts has urged the club to move for Arda Guler (via Caught Offside). The Turkish youngster has struggled for chances at Real Madrid since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2023.
This season, Guler has registered one goal and three assists from 20 games, but only seven those have been starts. The 19-year-old has subsequently been linked with an exit from Los Blancos in search of regular football.
In his column for Caught Offside, Watts insisted that signing Guler on loan could be a good bet for Arsenal.
“Arda Guler on loan from Real Madrid would also be an interesting short term move. We’ve seen Arsenal have some success with a deal like that in the past. Just think of Martin Odegaard for example," wrote Watts.
He continued:
“Guler is young, but he has shown he can perform on the biggest stage and has the talent to make a difference in the final third. So there could be options out there for Arsenal, it’s up to them to go out there and find them.”
Guler's contract with the LaLiga champions runs until 2029.
