Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos identify top target for 2026, club face Liverpool competition for Adam Wharton, and more - September 11, 2025

Real Madrid are back in action on Saturday, September 13, when they take on Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena in LaLiga. Los Blancos arrive at the game on a flawless run, having picked up three wins in three games in the league so far.

Meanwhile, the LaLiga giants have settled on their top target for 2026. Elsewhere, Liverpool are likely to provide stiff competition in the race to sign Adam Wharton in 2026.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 11, 2025.

Real Madrid identify top target for 2026

Real Madrid have identified Ibrahima Konate as their top target for 2026, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The French defender's contract with Liverpool runs out in less than a year and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.

Konate was also linked with a cut-priced moved away from Anfield this summer, but ended up staying. Los Blancos have had their eyes on the 26-year-old for a while, and consider him the ideal candidate to bolster their backline.

The LaLiga giants have now made Konate an absolute priority for 2026, when he could be available for free. With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba's contracts running out next summer, the Frenchman could also help stabilize Xabi Alonso's defence.

Los Blancos face Liverpool competition for Adam Wharton

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Adam Wharton, according to Fichajes. The English midfielder has been outstanding for Crystal Palace of late and has turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu as well.

Real Madrid are yet to replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, both of whom have left the club in the past year. Wharton has been identified as an option for the job.

The report adds that Los Blancos are willing to offer €60m for the 21-year-old, but the Eagles are likely to demand a colossal fee to let their prized asset leave. Liverpool's presence, meanwhile, is likely to further complicate matters.

Arsenal wanted Arda Guler

Arsenal have been hot on the heels of Arda Guler for a while, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Turkish midfielder was in and out of the first team under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, but his fortunes have improved following Xabi Alonso's arrival.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said that the Gunners attempted to go down the 'Martin Odegaard' route in their pursuit of Guler.

​"Arsenal considered the possibility around October, November again before Andrea Berta got appointed as the new director. But Arsenal last year considered the possibility to go for Arda Guler in case Ancelotti was going to end up staying at Real Madrid and in case maybe they opened the doors to the exit of Arda Guler in a similar situation of Martin Odegaard," said Romano.

“So they consider that possibility. Then new director at Arsenal – Andrea Berta, new coach at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, new life for Arda Guler at Real Madrid starting all games and so no chance – it didn’t become a negotiation. But I can guarantee to you that in the internal conversation around end of October, November 2024, Arda Guler was a topic for Arsenal.”

Guler has registered one goal and one assist from three games this season, all of which were starts.