Mbappe not moving to Real Madrid, Ancelotti says
2 Min Read
The transfer market will remain open for Saudi Arabia, which has the capability to move players even after September 1.
-
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti during a Spanish La Liga match in Valencia Spain on May 21, 2023. (AP)
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed on Thursday that the club has ruled out signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe before the transfer market ends next week.
The coach added that the team is unlikely to conduct any further business in the current transfer window, which concludes on September 1.
Ancelotti told reporters that he rules it out "100%. I think our squad is closed and our players are thinking about our season."
He added that he did not fear anyone changing their mind, since the transfer window stays open in Saudi Arabia after September 1, meaning clubs from the Kingdom could still take some players from Europe.
Read more: Ronaldo says Saudi Pro League 'better than MLS', denies Europe return
Luka Modric did not start Real Madrid's opening two league games, fueling conjecture that the Croatian is dissatisfied with his circumstances, something Ancelotti denied.
"Luka has already defined his future. He has no problem, he will contribute," Ancelotti assured.
"It's a special situation for everybody, for him it's strange not to play from the first minute but he will contribute as always."
The coach also added that Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined Real from Chelsea, will make his debut in goal in the club's first home league game of the season.
After Thibaut Courtois underwent surgery for a damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, Andriy Lunin took over as goalkeeper in the first two games of the season.
