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Real Madrid are preparing for their upcoming UEFA Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, April 30, at the Allianz Arena.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos face competition from the Bavarians for the services of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz. Elsewhere, veteran midfielder Luka Modric is likely to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on April 28, 2024:
Real Madrid face Florian Wirtz competition
Real Madrid could face competition from Bayern Munich for the services of Florian Wirtz, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The German midfielder has developed in leaps and bounds in recent seasons at Bayer Leverkusen and has turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu.
This season, Wirtz has played a starring role in his club's historic Bundesliga triumph, scoring 17 goals and setting up 19 in 44 games across competitions.
Los Blancos are pleased with the player's efforts and want to prise him away to Spain. While a move this summer is next to impossible, they are hoping to get their hands on the 20-year-old next summer.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are likely to stay for another season and could end their time with the La Liga giants in 2025. Real Madrid are planning to rope in Wirtz to help replace the legendary duo.
However, the Bavarians also have their eyes on the German talent and are likely to give Los Blancos a stiff fight for his services. The 20-year-old's contract with Leverkusen runs till 2027.
Luka Modric likely to stay
Luka Modric is likely to sign an extension with Real Madrid, according to journalist Jose Felix Diaz.
The Croatian midfielder is in the final months of his contract, and his future remains up in the air. Recent reports have linked the player with a move to the Middle East, while Inter Miami are apparently eyeing him with interest as well. Modric has registered two goals and six assists in 39 outings across competitions this season.
However, most of those appearances have been from the bench, with the player no longer a first team regular under Carlo Ancelotti. Modric is understandably frustrated by his situation and has been backed to leave in search of regular football.
However, it now appears that the 38-year-old would prefer to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu for another campaign. There have also been reports that the Croatian would prefer to hang his boot at the club.
Arda Guler's future remains up in the air, says Fabrizio Romano
Arda Guler could leave Real Madrid at the end of this season, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Turkish attacking midfielder arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Fenerbahce last summer and has failed to live up to expectations.
Injuries have played spoilsport, while the intense competition for places under Ancelotti hasn't helped. Recent rumours have suggested that the 19-year-old is considering his options ahead of the summer. However, Romano has refuted those claims.
In his column for Caught Offside, the transfer guru insisted that the player enjoys an excellent relationship with Los Blancos.
"On Arda Guler – as many of my Real Madrid friends keep asking me about him… let me verify once again that Guler has been super respectful. He hasn’t asked to leave the club now or last week or 10 days ago. Not true from what I’m hearing,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Real Madrid did not receive any information from Arda Guler to leave the club or to create an issue internally as he’s been super serious, super professional, the relationship is excellent. His goal against Real Sociedad on Friday night showed his quality once again too."
Romano added that Guler will discuss his future with the club at the end of the season, with a loan exit a possibility.
“Now, what’s going to happen is that at the end of the season, there will be a conversation between his agents and Real Madrid to discuss about a potential move in the summer transfer window. There are already many clubs interested in him," wrote Romano.
He concluded:
“So there are really many possibilities for a potential loan with many clubs already calling to be informed about his situation including Sevilla and Napoli, but it’s Real Madrid in control and nothing will be decided before the end of the season.”
Guler has appeared eight times across competitions this season for the Spanish giants, registering two goals.
