Gian Piero Gasperini Targets Real Madrid Veteran As Los Blancos Deny Contract Extension

Roma are hoping to bring Real Madrid star David Alaba to Serie A as a free agent during the summer transfer window.

Real Madrid Stall David Alaba Contract Talks

Real Madrid and David Alaba have come to a standstill over a new deal, as the Austrian’s contract in Spain comes to an end in June – meaning the Los Blancos star will be available for free.

Alaba has endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign so far, missing large spells through injury and making just one start in LaLiga, as the Austrian continues to drop down the pecking order.

Alvaro Arbeloa has handed Alaba just one-minute in Spain’s top-flight since taking the reins from Xabi Alonso and the Madrid manager is not pushing to extend the Austrian’s deal.

Los Blancos are hoping to bring in some youth for the 2026/27 campaign, as Madrid target Nico Paz despite concerns from club legend Angel Di Maria.

At 33-years-old, Alaba’s best years are now behind him and there have been rumors over a possible retirement, as the Austrian nears the end of an illustrious career.

The defender has won 38 major trophies during his career and could add another LaLiga title this season, as Madrid sit second in the table just a point behind Barcelona.

However, his journey with Los Blancos is set to come to an end in the summer transfer window and Alaba has reportedly attracted interest from Serie A.

David Alaba Considers Serie A Switch

Roma are monitoring David Alaba’s situation in Spain closely, as the Austrian is currently able to enter pre-contract negotiations with another club.

Gian Piero Gasperini has enjoyed a strong start to his tenure in the Italian capital, as the Giallorossi sit third in the table and are on track to qualify for the Champions League.

Activity in the January window has been slow for Gasperini’s side so far, although Roma are targeting Yannick Carrasco despite concerns over the Belgian’s salary.

However, this would be a smaller issue when entering negotiations with David Alaba, as the 33-year-old’s move would not require a transfer fee.

Alaba is reportedly Real Madrid’s third-highest paid player at €22million per year and Florentino Perez is looking to remove this major wage expense from the books.

The Austrian would need to take a pay-cut in Serie A, which has given a boost to the interested parties from Saudi Arabia as multiple sides target Alaba.

Roma could also face stiff competition from the United States, as Alaba has attracted interest from a host of MLS franchises ahead of their upcoming campaign.