Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Ricardo Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata Rumours

Wolfsburg’s sporting executive Klaus Allofs has confirmed the club hold little sway when it comes to the future of star left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, with Real Madrid linked with a move for the player in the past.

According to Kicker (h/t Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror), the defender has a €25 million (£19 million) release clause in his contract, with Arsenal touted as possible suitors. Speaking to the same source (h/t Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC) Allofs seemed resigned to losing the 23-year-old, insisting “those are things we can't influence.”

Previously, Los Blancos have been tipped as a “great option” for Rodriguez by his father, per Cadena Cope (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC).

The Switzerland international has long been considered one of the top left-backs in the Bundesliga. Here is a look at why:

In 2014-15 Wolfsburg seemed to be a team on the up, finishing behind Bayern Munich in the title race and winning the German domestic cup. But last term was a tough one for the club and with no elite European football at the Volkswagen Arena next season, Rodriguez may view this summer as the ideal time to embark on a new challenge.

Ben McAleer of WhoScored.com thinks there will be a lot of teams interested in securing the full-back for the amount mentioned, though:

Real Madrid currently have one of the best left-backs around in Marcelo and it’d be intriguing to see Rodriguez pushing him for a starting spot. Even so, as a young player with improvements to make, Los Blancos could potentially secure their long-term option at the position should they make a move for him.

As an attacking full-back with a wicked left foot and superb instincts in the final third, Rodriguez could be a brilliant fit at the Santiago Bernabeu. It's looking increasingly likely he'll be on the move too.

Alvaro Morata Wants Madrid Return

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Juventus forward Alvaro Morata has outlined his determination to return to Real Madrid and be a success, although he has admitted he’s received some tempting offers from the Premier League.

The Spain international has been a big hit in Turin since making the switch from Los Blancos in 2014; Real are said to have a buyback clause in his contract with Juventus. And it seems as though the man from Madrid has yet to give up on being a long-term success in the iconic all-white strip.

“Clearly that is what I would like. That is my wish, to succeed in Madrid,” he told AS (h/t Dejan Kalinic of Goal). “But in Madrid there are great players. And what I want is to play and feel important.”

Here’s a look at the story on the front page of the newspaper, per the AS Twitter feed:

Morata also conceded a move to England could be on the cards. “There are some offers from England that are tempting, not only by contract," the 23-year-old said. "I think for my characteristics the Premier League would also be a great destination.”

There’s no doubting the fact that Morata has made a lot of improvements to his game since signing for Juventus. These are some of his best moments since moving to the Italian giants:

Manager Massimiliano Allegri would be disappointed to lose him. While Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic are quality options at the sharp end of the pitch, Morata brings something different to the Juventus side. His work rate, running power and penchant for popping up when it really matters are all key attributes.

As noted by WhoScored.com, he’s been a regular goalscorer in Serie A since moving to the division:

Real may be able to cater for Morata now, though. While he may not be good enough to oust Karim Benzema at the point of the attack, the refinements he’s made would make it more likely for manager Zinedine Zidane to use him; evidently the forward would be doubly determined to take such a chance.