Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing RB Leipzig ace, club monitoring Nico Paz, and more - September 28, 2024

Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their La Liga tie against Atletico Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, September 29. Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the venue in impressive form, with four wins in their last five games in the league.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a French central defender who plays for RB Leipzig. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions are closely monitoring former player Nico Paz.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 28, 2024.

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Real Madrid eyeing RB Leipzig ace, says Fabrizio Romano

Real Madrid have set their sights on Castello Lukeba, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. Los Blancos are looking for a new defender after missing out on Leny Yoro this summer.

Yoro was heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, but Manchester United won the race for his signature. The La Liga giants are a little understaffed at the back, with Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao the only fit center backs available to Carlo Ancelotti right now.

David Alaba is recovering from an ACL injury and isn't expected back until the end of the year. Real Madrid are looking to address the issue in 2025 and have identified Lukeba as an option.

Lukeba has been rock solid at the back for RB Leipzig and is wanted by multiple clubs across the continent. The player is under contract with the Bundesliga giants until 2028 but could be on the move at the end of this season.

Los Blancos could face competition from Chelsea for his services. A move in the winter transfer window, however, is very unlikely.

Los Blancos monitoring Nico Paz

Real Madrid are keeping a close watch on Nico Paz's performances at Como, according to AS. The 20-year-old left the Santiago Bernabeu this summer to move to the Italian side and has been quite impressive so far.

Paz has appeared four times in Serie A, including two starts, and has already picked up two assists. He was highly influential in Como's recent 3-2 win over Atalanta.

Los Blancos are pleased with his efforts and could consider bringing him back to the club. The report adds that the La Liga giants have included a 50% sell-on clause in the player's contract.

Real Madrid could also benefit from his sale to another Serie A club, which would help them earn half of the transfer fee. As such, they are monitoring Paz's progress with interest for now.

Former player heaps praise on Carlo Ancelotti

Former Real Madrid forward Ivan Zamorano has spoken highly of Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager has enjoyed tremendous success in his second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos have already won the league and the Champions league twice in the last three years. Ancelotti has also displayed astute man management skills, ensuring that a team of superstars are firing on all cylinders.

Speaking to AS, Zamorano also paid tribute to Ancelotti's son Davide.

“I find him exceptional, not only as a coach but as a person. He has great intelligence, enhanced by his personality and his experience in knowing how to manage a complex dressing room like that of Real Madrid and knowing the best solutions when the team needs them," said Ancelotti.

He continued:

“In addition, I would like to pay tribute to the character of his son Davide, who seems to me to be undervalued and who plays a very important role in the management of the team.”

Recent reports have suggested that the La Liga giants have identified Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso as Ancelotti's successor.