Real Madrid News
Ancelotti requests the signing of Chelsea defender alongside Mbappe/Haaland
After a disappointing season under Frank Lampard, Antonio Rudiger’s stocks have skyrocketed under Thomas Tuchel.
The German defender, playing on the left of a back-three at Chelsea in the last two seasons, has become of the most impressive defenders in Europe. He has arguably been one of the best centre-backs in England this season, but will most likely jump ships in the summer.
Rudiger becomes a free agent, and has been on the radar of most top European clubs. Carlo Ancelotti, especially seems to be a fan, and has requested his signing alongside one superstar signing of Kylian Mbappe and/or Erling Haaland, according to MARCA.
Barcelona were briefly interested in Rudiger, and met his agents last month. However, given Ronald Araujo’s contract extension is going through soon, the Blaugranes have dropped their pursuit.
As for Real Madrid, while David Alaba and Eder Militao have formed a solid partnership for the most part, there have been some concerning games.
Thibaut Courtois has been their saving grace in a lot of games, but El Clasico and the Chelsea return leg have proven that even the Belgian is not impenetrable.
Rudiger’s signing, would, however, pose some interesting questions on Madrid’s wage bill. The German demands a salary upward of €8 million net, which would automatically make him one of the highest earners in the squad.
The team is, however, studying formulas to fit the Chelsea superstar in their wage structure and will have time until June to offload players.
Gareth Bale is looking at the exit door, and has the highest earner in the team, which would leave the team open to superstar signings.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid the most likely destination for Kylian Mbappe with Liverpool not pushing for transfer
Journalist Florian Plettenberg has affirmed that despite Liverpool’s continued interest, Real Madrid remain the most realistic destination for Kylian Mbappe either for next year or the year after that.
As far as PSG are concerned, the Ligue 1 champions are totally relaxed over the drama as they are now financially secure for his possible departure. Nonetheless, Liverpool are not at all pushing for the player which leaves Real Madrid as the only team as suitors.
Mbappe has declined an extension offer from PSG, as his current deal is set to expire in 2024 and the 24-year-old forward seems poised to determine his future destination sooner rather than later.
As for Real Madrid, while they have denied holding any talks with the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, the interest in him has always been there as he remains one of the club’s main targets for 2024.
One last attempt for Mbappe?
Real Madrid have been chasing Mbappe since 2021 and while there have been instances when he almost joined, the move has always failed to materialise for some reason.
Last year, he ended up signing a new contract and this year, as he looked certain to leave PSG, a sudden change of heart saw him stay put. Now, there are going to be some repercussions of his continued ignorance.
These repercussions Mbappe will experience if rejects Madrid once again as it is said that the team from the Spanish capital is fed up with playing this game and if the move fails next summer, the door for Mbappe will be closed forever.
On the contrary, Plettenberg reports that it is not a matter of if for Mbappe, but a matter of when.
So even if they somehow miss out on his acquisition this summer, they will be able to sign him in 2025 as they are currently the only team running for his signature.
