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Real Madrid have assembled an enviable squad in recent times, but remain on the hunt for further reinforcements this summer. Carlo Ancelotti is preparing to fight for multiple trophies in the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have put an end to their pursuit of a Bayern Munich midfielder. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions are interested in an AC Milan midfielder.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from July 10, 2024.
Real Madrid end pursuit of Joshua Kimmich
Real Madrid have ended their pursuit of Joshua Kimmich, according to SPORT. The German midfielder's contract with Bayern Munich expires in 2025 and he hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
Recent reports have suggested that Carlo Ancelotti has identified Kimmich as a possible replacement for Toni Kroos. The veteran midfielder decided to hang up his boots at the end of Euro 2024, leaving behind a glaring hole in midfield.
Although the Italian manager has the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde at his disposal to address the issue, Ancelotti could be tempted to rope in a specialist for the role. Kimmich is tailormade for the job and has inevitably been linked with the La Liga champions of late.
However, it now appears that Los Blancos have left the race for the German as they don't want to pay a transfer fee for the player. Real Madrid also have no desire to compete with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Barcelona, and Manchester City, who are all vying for Kimmich's services.
Los Blancos have also targeted younger footballers of late and the 29-year-old doesn't match their transfer strategy.
Los Blancos eyeing Tijjani Reijnders
Tijjani Reijnders has turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to SPORT. The Dutch midfielder caught the eye with AC Milan last season, registering four goals and four assists from 50 games across all competitions.
Reijnders has continued his hot streak at Euro 2024, starting all of his nation's five games so far. His efforts have forced Carlo Ancelotti to take note, with the Italian manager expected to reinforce his midfield this summer.
Ancelotti has bid adieu to Toni Kroos at the end of last season. Luka Modric is likely to stay for another campaign but is no longer a first-team regular. Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos is already seeking a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in search of regular game time.
The situation has prompted Los Blancos to consider their options and they have found an able option in Reijnders. The 25-year-old has also been identified as an alternative to Joshua Kimmich. However, prising the Dutchman away from San Siro won't be easy.
The player is under contract until 2028 and the Rossoneri don't him to go. However, the La Liga giants enjoy a cordial relationship with their Serie A counterparts. As such, they could convince Milan to let the Dutchman leave by offering a substantial fee.
Real Madrid have enquired about Kepa Arrizabalaga, says journalist
Real Madrid have their eyes on Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The Spanish goalkeeper spent the 2023/24 on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu but is back at Chelsea this summer.
However, the player is no longer part of the Blues' plans and is expected to be on his way this year. Recent reports have suggested that he prefers to return to Los Blancos in a permanent deal.
Kepa joined the club last summer to help them deal with Thibaut Courtois' injury. However, he ended up dropping behind Andriy Lunin in the pecking order.
The Ukrainian is in the final year of his contract with the La Liga champions and is apparently considering his options this summer. Carlo Ancelotti apparently wants him to stay and the club have already offered him a new deal, but the player hasn't made up his mind yet.
In his column for Caught Offside, Moretto added that Real Madrid will move for Kepa if Lunin ends up leaving.
“There are clubs in the Premier League that enquired about him, that much is true. I think there will be more teams that go for him. With Lunin, there’s no denying there has been a change in his situation, above all in the final stretch of Real Madrid’s season. Thibaut Courtois came back and right now I believe Lunin is having doubts,” wrote Moretto.
He continued:
“Real Madrid basically had everything done to sign him to a new deal, it was pretty much agreed verbally, but currently, the situation is open. I can also confirm that Real Madrid have thought about Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga as an option if they need to replace Lunin, and they have enquired again about him.”
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal have their eyes on Lunin.
