Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Arsenal warned of Los Blancos interest in star man, Luka Modric not planning to retire, and more - October 16, 2024
Real Madrid are second in the LaLiga table after nine games this season, three points behind leaders Barcelona. Carlo Ancelotti's team next face Celta Vigo at the Balaidos on Saturday, October 19, in the league.
Meanwhile, a former player has warned Arsenal about Los Blancos' interest in their star defender. Elsewhere, Luka Modric has no plans to hang up his boots just yet.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 16, 2024.
Arsenal warned of Real Madrid's interest in William Saliba by former player
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has warned Arsenal about Real Madrid's interest in William Saliba. The French defender has been rock-solid at the back for the Gunners in the past couple of seasons.
Recent reports have suggested that his efforts have earned him admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos are looking for Eder Militao's long-term partner and Saliba fits the bill.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Cascarino said that Arsenal must win silverware to convince Saliba to stay.
“There are vultures in football hanging over football clubs all the time to try to snatch their best players. There’s no bigger vulture than Real Madrid," said Cascarino.
He continued:
“Arsenal have to achieve that because Saliba is playing to the level of being a Real Madrid player but he’s got to be convinced that Arsenal are going to be a successful and winning team and challenging to win the Champions League because that’s what Real Madrid do so often.”
Saliba has appeared nine times across competitions for the north London side this season, helping them keep five clean sheets.
Luka Modric not planning to retire
Luke Modric has no plans to retire at the moment, according to MARCA. The Croatian is already in the final phase of his career but remains a key part of Carlo Ancelotti's plans.
Modric's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires next summer and he hasn't been offered a new deal yet. There have been rumors that the player could hang up his boots at the end of this campaign but as per the aforementioned report, that is not the case.
Modric has enjoyed a steady run in the team this season following Toni Kroos' retirement. The veteran midfielder, who will turn 40 next summer, has already appeared 12 times across competitions this season. Should he continue his good run, there's no reason why Real Madrid won't offer him a new deal.
David Alaba's recovery going according to plans, says Fabrizio Romano
David Alaba's recovery is going according to schedule, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Austrian defender suffered an ACL injury around a year ago and hasn't returned to the pitch yet.
Carlo Ancelotti is a little light at the back right now with Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger his only fit centerbacks. Recent reports have suggested that Alaba's recovery has been delayed and it could be a while before he is available for selection.
It has also been suggested that the 32-year-old could be forced into early retirement. However, Romano has refuted those claims.
The reliable journalist has suggested that the player's recovery is going according to plan. While there has been a minor delay, there are no concerns at the club, who have no intention to rush him back.
