Real Madrid to get rid of 8 stars, and other transfer news and rumours of the day - 21st November 2017

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. With December almost upon us, the transfer mills sure seem to be warming up, ahead of what could be a very eventful winter transfer market.

With plenty of contracts on the verge of expiring and the players tied to these respective contracts free to decide pre-contract agreements, we could, indeed, see a lot of activity in the January transfer market. Amid plenty of talk and conjecture, here's a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates of the day, from across the globe:

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La Liga

Gareth Bale to lead Real Madrid exodus?

Real Madrid reportedly set to offload 8 players

After a horrendous start to the season, Real Madrid find themselves 10 points off table-toppers Barcelona. Notably, Madrid have never won the title after trailing their rivals by 8 points or more. Naturally, Zidane seems to be approaching his wits' end and is believed to be plotting the exit of multiple stars.

According to reports in The Sun, Zidane is keen on getting rid of dead wood in a bid to galvanise his side. Gareth Bale is being hailed as the potential leader of the exodus list, with Manchester United lurking just around the corner, waiting to snatch the Welshman.

The reports also suggest that Zidane's mission could begin as early as January, with Lucas Vazquez and Dani Ceballos set to be sent out on loan.

Barcelona to make £20 million bid for Mesut Özil

Arsenal's wantaway star Mesut Özil could find a new a home with La Liga giants Barcelona as early as January, as per The Sun. The German has refused to sign a new deal with Arsenal and was expected to leave earlier this summer. However, the playmaker seemingly found no takers and was forced to remain with the North Londoners.

Arsene Wenger has reportedly agreed to sell Özil in January, instead of allowing the 29-year old to leave for free next summer. Barcelona, who are believed to be planning one last move for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, could indeed, avert their gaze towards Özil, who will be a much easier target for the Catalans to procure.

Premier League

Marco Asensio has put Chelsea on red alert

Marco Asensio threatens Real Madrid with Chelsea move

The Spaniard is understood to be growing increasingly frustrated with his role at Real Madrid, as per the Daily Star. Asensio has been forced to predominantly warm the bench this season, despite Zidane's first choices clearly struggling.

Asensio, 21, has made it publicly known that he's concerned with his playing time at Real Madrid. Reports claim that he has decided that he's had enough and has threatened to leave the La Liga and European champions, should he continue to find himself on the bench as often.

Premier League champions, Chelsea, led by Antonio Conte's admiration for Asensio, have reportedly been put on red alert, and are believed to be desperate to strengthen their squad by adding him to their ranks.

Arsenal identify Karim Benzema as Alexis Sanchez's replacement

With Alexis Sanchez's departure imminent, Arsenal seem to be wasting no time in adjusting to life without the Chilean sensation. Sanchez, who will be free to agree pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs in January, has refused to extend his stay at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger has supposedly resigned to selling both, Sanchez and Ozil, and is already on the hunt for alternatives. Among his top prospects, is Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, as per reports in the Daily Star.

The Frenchman has struggled this season, as have Real Madrid, who are understood to be plotting a large-scale exodus, rendering Benzema a feasible option as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is also believed to keen on the said arrangement and could green light the move in the near future.

Bundesliga

Mesut Ozil to return home?

Schalke to try and lure Ozil to return home

Amid strong interest from European giants like Barcelona and Manchester United, Mesut Ozil has reportedly found himself yet another suitor, in the form of his former club, Schalke 04, according to ESPN. Interestingly, Ozil began his senior career with the Bundesliga side, for whom he made 30 appearances over two seasons.

While it is unlikely that Ozil will return to the Gelsenkirchen-based club just yet, the club's Chairman kindled speculation. When asked about the reports, he said the move "would be a nice story."

Ozil's future at Arsenal is ostensibly approaching its climax, and it sure will be interesting to see where the German ace plays next season.

Borussia Dortmund monitor Manchester United target - Lautaro Martinez

Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund seem to have taken a leaf out of Manchester United's book, and are believed to be monitoring Lautaro Martínez - Racing Club's 20-year old forward.

The Argentine has quickly risen to prominence after a string of impressive performances and has also attracted attention from European bigwigs like Monaco, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Serie A

Paulo Dybala's comment triggers speculation over Juventus exit

Juventus' Argentine sensation Paulo Dybala has set the cat among the pigeons after making a bold statement over his potential Juventus exit. The 24-year old reportedly told France Football ‘I can’t promise I will stay at Juventus forever’, triggering widespread conjecture over his future.

Reports in the Metro claim that Dybala's comment could be a come-get-me call directed towards Manchester United.

The reports also claim that Dybala admitted to being gutted by Pogba's move to the Red Devils, as the duo had become extremely close friends on and off the pitch. Adding fuel to the fire are claims that Jose Mourinho and co. are preparing a £155 million move for the Juventus striker next summer.

Real Madrid want to replace Karim Benzema with Mauro Icardi

Despite being a favourite at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema's poor form has started getting to Florentino Perez, according to claims in the Daily Express. The Frenchman has been in woeful touch this season, and is likely to be shown the door by the end of this season.

The Los Blancos hierarchy is allegedly eyeing Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi as Benzema's heir at the Madrid-based club, with the likes of Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski also on their ambitious radar.

Former Italy striker Daniele Massaro, has backed Real's idea to move for Icardi, saying:

“I can tell you on November 20 next year that Icardi will be at Real Madrid instead of Benzema,” Massaro said.

“In Spain, they start believing.”

Ligue 1 and the rest of the world

China-bound?

Chinese clubs to come calling for Richarlison

Watford's summer acquisition - Richarlison, has been in excellent form this season, and has boosted Watford to 8th place in the Premier League table, having scored 5 goals in just 12 appearances for The Hornets.

Apart from a number of European clubs, a number of unnamed Chinese clubs have also reportedly registered interest in the Brazilian. When asked about the attention he has been attracting, Watford manager Marco Silva said:

"He's a player with a lot of quality, so it's normal if everybody starts to pay attention to him,"