Real Madrid ready to give up on Alvaro Carreras over Benfica's €50m demands as Xabi Alonso eyes reunion with Bayer Leverkusen star as alternative

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Carreras has hit a significant obstacle, with negotiations between Los Blancos and Benfica stalling over the defender’s release clause, according to Marca (h/t Mundo Deportivo). While the Spanish giants have already reached a five-year agreement with the 22-year-old Galician full-back, the transfer remains on hold due to Benfica’s firm stance.

The Portuguese club is demanding the full €50 million buyout clause, while Madrid are attempting to negotiate a reduced fee in the region of €35–40 million. Talks have dragged on for several weeks without progress, prompting the club’s technical staff to begin exploring alternative options, reports The Athletic. Carreras is seen as a priority target for both Xabi Alonso and Madrid’s recruitment team, who view him as the ideal solution at left-back. He is expected to be the third defensive reinforcement of the summer, following the signings of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Madrid have until June 10 to finalise the deal before the Club World Cup roster deadline — a tournament in which Benfica will also participate. If an agreement cannot be reached in the coming days, Madrid may shift their focus to Grimaldo. The 29-year-old Spanish international has long expressed interest in joining a top-tier club, and if Carreras' move falls through, a high-profile switch to the Bernabeu could soon be within reach for the former Benfica full-back.

Madrid have ushered into a new era with Alonso at the helm, and they will kickstart their reign under the former Spanish midfielder in the first game of the Club World Cup on June 18, when they take on Saudi heavyweights Al-Hilal.