Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Changes are brewing at Real Madrid with new players being brought in following the arrival of manager Xabi Alonso.
With the Merengues splashing the cash on the signings of Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras, the club might need to part ways with some of the current players to balance the books.
AC Milan want Dani Ceballos
According to Fichajes, AC Milan are ready to make a move for Dani Ceballos and are preparing an offer close to €20 million to try to secure the signing of the Real Madrid midfielder.
Under the direction of new manager Massimiliano Allegri, the Italian club has turned its attention to Valdebebas in search of proven talent with medium-term potential. And Ceballos has emerged as a priority target.
The Spanish midfielder, under contract with Real Madrid until 2027, has not had a consistent role in recent seasons. However, his technical profile and experience in European competitions make him an attractive option.
AC Milan want Ceballos. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
At Milan, he is seen as a key piece to add balance to the midfield, offering both ball control and composure in high-pressure moments.
Although Ceballos has expressed a desire to remain at Real Madrid, the arrival of Xabi Alonso as head coach has introduced uncertainty regarding his role in the squad.
The new manager may offer the Spaniard a fresh opportunity, but he is also aware that a solid transfer fee could support the club’s planning.
For now, Real Madrid have not taken a definitive stance. They are monitoring the market and are open to listening to reasonable offers. Milan’s proposed fee of around €20 million is considered to fall within that range.
With the Rossoneri already set to sign Real Madrid captain Luka Modric, it remains to be seen if they reunite him with Ceballos as well.
Report – €8 million fee difference stalls Real Madrid move for top defensive target
The gap is €8 million – that is the key issue. According to AS, this is the difference separating Real Madrid from Benfica in the Alvaro Carreras deal.
The 22-year-old left-back has been identified as the top target for the position this summer.
Negotiations have been ongoing with Benfica as Real Madrid hope to re-sign their former academy ace in time for the FIFA Club World Cup later this month but a final agreement has not been reached yet.
A difference of €8 million
As per the report, Real Madrid have offered €40 million to sign Carreras, while Benfica have set the price at €48 million – just below the player’s €50 million release clause.
That fee would grant Carreras not only his move, but also the chance to play in the Club World Cup for Real Madrid. Notably, Benfica are also participants in the tournament – another detail why the operation, though nearly complete, is still not finalised.
Alvaro Carreras waiting for Real Madrid transfer to be finalised. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
As such, Real Madrid have picked up the pace in recent days, because time is running out. The emergency transfer window deadline – opened on 1 June to register new players for the Club World Cup – is 10 June.
There is optimism at the club ever since a personal agreement was reached with the player. After all, Carreras made it clear from the start that he wanted to return to Real Madrid.
The Merengues have been working to reduce the €50 million clause written into Carreras’ contract. So far, they have managed to reduce the full package (transfer plus Club World Cup-related bonus) to €48 million. It is a step forward, but not yet a done deal.