Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, seemed likely to leave the club last summer, as he entered the final year of his contract with no new deal in sight.
However, it could be this year that the Ukraine international moves on. Lunin, 24, replaced Thibaut Courtois last season while the Belgian was out with a cruciate ligament injury and performed well. He was crucial in Real Madrid's progress to the Champions League final, making saves in their penalty shootout win over Manchester City. In March, he agreed to a new five-year deal with Real Madrid, who were keen to keep him. However, relations appeared to sour somewhat in the final two months of the season. With Courtois back fit, Lunin returned to the bench, missing his opportunity to shine in the Champions League final. Although he had signed a contract extension until 2030 last September, Lunin remains an option for those seeking a goalkeeper in the summer.
Courted by the Premier League last summer, Manchester United are reportedly interested in Lunin for the summer. Despite having a long-term contract, Real Madrid may consider an offer around €20m, his market value. Andre Onana has yet to fully convince at Old Trafford, and Lunin has proven himself at the top level. Currently, Lunin plays only in Copa del Rey fixtures for Real Madrid, and despite recently signing a contract, he is reportedly open to an exit. Los Blancos are dealing with reduced income this season due to the halt in concerts at the Santiago Bernabeu, which could lead to one or two sales this summer.
Arsenal superstar Martin Ødegaard is eyeing a Real Madrid reunion
Real Madrid are favourites to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their round of 16 tie on Tuesday, although the return leg is at the Metropolitano next Wednesday.
The winner of the tie between the two Madrid clubs will almost certainly face Arsenal, who defeated PSV Eindhoven in their first leg on Tuesday. The Premier League side is bound to be a very tough test for either side, although whoever gets through would have the advantage of hosting the second leg at their stadium.
Should it be Real Madrid that progress, they could face off against Martin Odegaard, who was on their books from 2015 to 2021. The Norwegian playmaker struggled to establish himself in the first team during his time in the Spanish capital, and after numerous loans, he left to join Arsenal permanently four years ago.
Odegaard bears no grudges from his failed spell at Real Madrid, and speaking to Amazon Prime (via Relevo), he admitted that he would like to face his former club in the next round of the Champions League.
“It would be special to go back (to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid). Whoever we play, we will be ready, but first we have to finish the work at home, and then we will see who we get.”
Real Madrid will be well aware that Arsenal will be their opposition if they manage to avoid defeat at the Metropolitano next week. They have not faced the Gunners very often over the years, although they were knocked out of the Champions League by them back in the 2005-06 season, with the London club eventually losing out in the final that year to Barcelona. On this occasion, Los Blancos will hope that they are the ones to progress, but first, focus is on reaching the quarter-finals.
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