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Carlo Ancelotti provides update on Ferland Mendy future amid transfer talk

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 20 May 2023

Ancelotti provides update on Mendy future amid transfer talk

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti plays down suggestions that Ferland Mendy could leave the club during this summer's transfer window.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that he wants to keep hold of Ferland Mendy this summer amid the recent transfer speculation surrounding the left-back.

The 27-year-old made the move to Bernabeu from Lyon in 2019, and he has represented Los Blancos on 131 occasions in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering 10 assists in the process.

Mendy has been restricted to just 26 outings this term, though, having spent long periods on the sidelines through injury.

The France international made his return from a calf problem against Getafe in La Liga last weekend, playing 45 minutes of what proved to be a 1-0 win for the capital giants.

However, he was an unused substitute against Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, with Eduardo Camavinga operating at left-back.

Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy takes a throw in on December 30, 2022 © Reuters

Real Madrid are believed to be keen to sign Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies this summer, and there has recently been speculation surrounding Mendy's future.

Arsenal are said to be keeping a close eye on the full-back's situation, but Ancelotti has said that he wants Mendy to remain with the club for the 2023-24 campaign.

"I want him to continue, obviously. He has been very important. Last year he showed a high level of defensive solidity. Ferland is recovering well from his injury, hopefully he will be important," the Real Madrid head coach told reporters during a press conference on Saturday.

Ancelotti also revealed that talks are ongoing surrounding the players who only have contracts with the club until the end of next month.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on May 9, 2023 © Reuters

"They are talking to the club. It's in the players' hands, everything will be clarified at the end of the season," said the Italian.

Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, Luka Modric, Nacho and Mariano Diaz will all see their current deals with the capital giants expire at the end of June.

Benzema, Kroos and Modric are widely expected to sign extensions, but the futures of Asensio, Ceballos, Nacho and Mariano remain unclear at this stage of proceedings.

Real Madrid will be bidding to bounce back from their Champions League semi-final exit when they travel to relegation-threatened Valencia in La Liga on Sunday.

Los Blancos are set to have a full squad available for the contest, with Thibaut Courtois expected to feature despite concerns over a tricep injury which he suffered against Getafe last weekend.