Real Madrid turn down Carlo Ancelotti transfer request following veteran exit: report
Real Madrid could be left short in one vital area this season
He may have seen his side land the biggest signing of the summer, but Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is set to be left wanting more come the end of the transfer window.
Real Madrid began the summer by confirming that Kylian Mbappe was joining the club on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain following the expiration of his deal in the French capital.
The European and La Liga champions will also be welcoming Brazilian striker Endrick to the fold this summer, a year-and-a-half after a deal was agreed for him to sign for the club after he turned 18.
VIDEO: Riccardo Calafiori Is The FINAL Piece Of Mikel Arteta's Jigsaw
These deals mean that Ancelotti has an embarrassment of riches up front, but the Madrid boss is reportedly concerned about a lack of depth at centre-back, following Nacho Fernandez’s move to Saudi Arabia and the club’s failure to sign Leny Yoro, who instead joined Manchester United.
Ancelotti’s first-choice pairing at the back looks to be Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, with Aurelien Tchouameni as another option, while David Alaba and Jesus Vallejo will start the season injured.
According to The Athletic, the club have refused Ancelotti’s request to sign another central defender, telling him that they ‘have confidence’ in the Italian’s ability to make use of limited resources.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
They add that the situation will be reviewed in December ahead of the January window, as the club will have a better steer on Alaba’s injury comeback by then.
Reports had suggested that Yoro had wanted to move to Madrid but opted to complete his £58million move to Manchester United when it became clear that no bid was forthcoming from the Bernabeu.
More Real Madrid stories
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has clear plan for star-studded attack next season - but it doesn't include £60m man
Real Madrid lining up shock FREE transfer for World Cup winner: report
Erling Haaland rules out future Real Madrid move - but he's still considering transfer away from Manchester City: report
For more than a decade Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor, with stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others. He is the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team.