Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos receive Murillo blow, Liverpool want French ace, and more - October 1, 2024

Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against Lille on Wednesday, October 2, at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Carlo Ancelotti's team come into the game unbeaten across competitions this season.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos have suffered a setback in their plans to take Murillo to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer. Elsewhere, Liverpool are interested in a French midfielder.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 1, 2024.

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Real Madrid receive Murillo blow

Nottingham Forest are likely to demand a massive fee to let Murillo leave, according to Football Insider. The Brazilian defender has been a rock at the back for the West Bridgford club since joining them in the summer of 2023.

Murillo appeared 36 times across competitions last season, all of which were starts. The 22-year-old was heavily linked with an exit this summer but Forest managed to keep him at the club. He has been indispensable for Nuno Espirito Santo this season as well and has turned heads at Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Los Blancos are expected to invest in their defence in 2025 after missing out on Leny Yoro this summer. The La Liga giants refused to match Lille's asking price for the 18-year-old, allowing Manchester United to snoop in and win the race.

With Nacho Fernandez gone and Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba on the wrong side of 30, a new defender is fast becoming an urged need for Real Madrid.

However, prising him away from the City Ground won't be easy. The player is under contract with Forest until 2028, so they are under no pressure to let him go. Meanwhile, the West Bridgford club reportedly paid £10.6m for his signature and are likely to demand a huge profit on that amount to let him go.

The Telegraph previously reported that Murillo might cost around £70m, which could be a dealbreaker for Los Blancos.

Liverpool interested in signing Aurelien Tchouameni

Liverpool have set their sights on Aurelien Tchouameni, according to Fichajes. The French midfielder has established himself as as a regular at Real Madrid since arriving a few summers ago.

Last season, Tchouameni registered 38 appearances across competitions, covering at center back when required. While he has started seven of eight games for Los Blancos this season, Carlo Ancelotti is apparently not completely convinced by the player.

The La Liga giants are willing to cash in on him next year and the Reds are interested. The Merseyside club wanted to sign a new midfielder this summer but failed to convince Martin Zubimendi to join them.

Despite Ryan Gravenberch's impressive form, Arne Slot wants another established face in the middle of the park and has his eyes on Tchouameni. The 24-year-old is under contract with Real Madrid until 2028, so he is likely to cost a fat fee.

Martin Zubimendi wants to join Real Madrid

Martin Zubimendi wants to join Real Madrid in 2025, according to TBR Football. The Spanish midfielder was a wanted man this summer, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur hot on his heels.

Zubimendi opted to stay at Ral Sociedad and that decision has come back to haunt him. The La Liga club have endured a difficult campaign so far, winning just two of their nine games.

The 25-year-old is understandably a frustrated figure at the Reale Arena and is apparently ready to leave in 2025. Clubs from the Premier League remain hot on his heels but the Spaniard reportedly dreams of moving to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos are yet to sign Toni Kroos' replacement while Luka Modric could hang up his boots at the end of this season. As such, the La Liga champions could be interested in a new midfielder next summer and Zubimendi could be a fantastic option.