Real Madrid plot sensational move for Serie A star: Reports

Real Madrid CF v Atalanta BC - UEFA Super Cup 2024 - Source: Getty
Real Madrid CF v Atalanta BC - UEFA Super Cup 2024 - Source: Getty

La Liga champions Real Madrid have reignited their interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as they look to strengthen their options between the posts, according to TEAMtalk.

The Spanish giants had previously made inquiries about the French shot-stopper last spring following Thibaut Courtois' injury, but the deal failed to materialize at the time. Now, Los Blancos are reportedly considering the possibility of securing Maignan’s services again.

With his contract at AC Milan running until 2026, negotiations between the player and Milan over a contract renewal have stalled, particularly due to the wage demands from Maignan’s camp. The 28-year-old is reportedly asking for a salary of €7-8 million per season, a figure that exceeds what AC Milan's highest earner Rafael Leao currently earns. In contrast, the Rossoneri are only willing to offer around €5-5.5 million per year.

The goalkeeper, however, is not solely motivated by financial terms. Maignan, who has played a pivotal role for AC Milan in recent seasons, is said to be focused on joining a winning project, something that Real Madrid can certainly promise.

His French national teammates Aurelien Tchouameni and Kylian Mbappe have reportedly been encouraging him to consider a move to Madrid, where they believe he would have the chance to add many more trophies to his collection.

Should Maignan decide not to renew his contract, AC Milan could decide to part ways with their star asset next summer. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are keeping their options open, with evaluations expected to be made on their current goalkeepers, Andriy Lunin and the recovering Thibaut Courtois ahead of the 2025 transfer window.

With Courtois’ ongoing fitness being monitored and Kepa Arrizabalaga no longer in the picture, a change between the posts at the Santiago Bernabeu could be on the horizon.


Real Madrid set to extend contract of Ukrainian shot-stopper Andriy Lunin - Reports

Real Madrid are poised to secure the future of their Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, with the two parties reportedly reaching an agreement on a contract extension.

According to football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, citing Spanish outlet Marca, the new deal will keep Lunin at the Bernabéu until June 2028. His current contract was due to expire in June 2025, but after deciding to remain with the club this summer, the 24-year-old goalkeeper is expected to commit to an additional three years.

While earlier reports had suggested uncertainty around Lunin’s future at the club, the new development means that Real Madrid are keen to retain him, despite his current role as a backup to Thibaut Courtois. The Ukrainian gloveman, who has been part of the Madrid squad since 2018, had reportedly been seeking assurances over more playing time before agreeing to extend his stay.

The final details of the agreement are expected to be formalized soon.

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Edited by S Chowdhury