Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had given the green light for the club to pursue the signing of Al Nassr and Spain defender Aymeric Laporte.
With there being a clear lack of senior resources in the centre-back department, Laporte has emerged as a possible target, although a move for him has always been seen as complicated.
However, earlier today it was suggested that Ancelotti would have given his ‘OK’ for Real Madrid to sign the Spaniard, although the club would only consider the transfer if he arrived for free.
As such, it was even claimed that Laporte’s agent had initiated discussions with Al Nassr over a possible termination of the defender’s contract.
Doors closed
However, refuting those claims, journalist Jose Felix Diaz reports that Real Madrid’s doors for Laporte are already closed.
As per the reporter, Laporte, who won the UEFA Euro 2024 last month with Spain, is eager to return to Europe after spending a year in Saudi Arabia.
A return to England, where he spent time with Manchester City, is seen as difficult due to financial and tax reasons.
As such, Laporte is said to have his heart set on a return to Spain with Real Madrid being his preferred destination.
However, despite the player’s willingness to explore the possibility of terminating his contract at Al Nassr, as things stand, a move to the Santiago Bernabeu appears unlikely.
Ancelotti, earlier this month, confirmed to the media that the Real Madrid squad for the next season was closed and that there would be no more first-team transfers.
Whether that remains the case or the club are willing to make an exception for Laporte in the coming days will be interesting to see.