Real Madrid focus: Tchouameni boost, Bellingham decisive, Konate incoming
Aymeric Laporte was offered to Real Madrid for around €25m after stellar World Cup displays, but Madrid favour younger, long-term options despite Mourinho wanting a left-footed centre-back.
Aurelien Tchouameni has recovered and is set to start for France against Spain in the World Cup semi-final, edging Manu Kone. A timely boost for Real Madrid’s midfielder after missing two knockout games.
Ibrahima Konate hails Real Madrid as ‘the greatest club’, saying he ‘still can’t believe it’. The France defender will join Mourinho’s group after the World Cup and post-tournament break.
Fulham want Real Madrid’s 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono on loan. Mourinho will assess him in pre-season before deciding. Fulham promise minutes, but Madrid prefer continental competition experience.
Chelsea, pushed by Xabi Alonso, bid €25m for Real Madrid left-back Álvaro Carreras, but Madrid rejected it and value him at €50-60m. Carreras prefers to stay despite Cucurella being first choice.
Jude Bellingham struck an equaliser and the extra-time winner for England, then dismissed Thomas Tuchel’s criticism, calling it a ‘tough shift’ against Haaland, Odegaard, Nusa and Sorloth.
Real Madrid will meet Vinicius Junior this month to discuss a new deal beyond 2027. Madrid are confident of an agreement despite Arsenal and others monitoring the winger’s situation.
