Real Madrid News
23-year-old Serie A hitman is more likely to join Chelsea than Real Madrid – report
Amidst Real Madrid’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, Juventus frontman Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as a potential target for the Los Blancos.
However, if a report from Romeo Agresti (via Madrid Xtra) is to be believed, the former Fiorentina centre-forward’s destination will likely be Chelsea and not Santiago Bernabeu.
The strikers’ domino
It is understood that Real Madrid are prepared to lay down a contingency if they fail to sign Mbappe this season, and Vlahovic happens to be on their agenda.
It must be noted that 23-year-old Vlahovic is a part of the strikers’ domino which also involves a certain Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgium international is back at Chelsea following his loan tenure with Inter Milan and although the Italians were expected to sign him permanently, they have decided not to for various reasons.
As a result, the likes of Juventus and Chelsea are said to be working on an agreement that could see Vlahovic moving to London and Lukaku to Turin.
Vlahovic to Madrid unlikely
As it turns out, reports emerged that Real Madrid are ready to raid the party by battling Chelsea for the 23-year-old.
Now, the team from the Spanish capital city has signed Joselu as a replacement for Karim Benzema, but Ancelotti is still asking for a top striker.
Now, the move looks ideal considering Vlahovic’s profile, but it appears that a move to Real Madrid is unlikely for the Serbian international, with the report claiming that Chelsea appears to be the 23-year-old likeliest destination.
Real Madrid are playing the waiting game in their pursuit of Mbappe and could act in the coming weeks, although it would not come as a surprise to see them sign him for free next year.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back never considered summer exit, would retire at club if given chance
Ferland Mendy finds himself in a difficult situation at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness woes for a large part of the past year, leading to doubts over his future at the club.
In fact, it had been reported that Los Blancos were considering selling Mendy during the summer transfer window earlier this year itself.
But, such a move did not materialise and the 28-year-old has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu although reports suggest that he is likely to be on the move next year.
Mendy would retire at Real Madrid if he could
Despite there having been numerous reports about his future in the summer, The Athletic reports that Mendy did not consider the possibility of an exit at any point.
In fact, the report adds that if given a chance, the 28-year-old defender would retire at Real Madrid.
Mendy’s contract with Los Merengues expires in 2025 and he is understood to be seeking a renewal for a while now, but there has been no move made by the club.
The injuries that the 28-year-old has picked up are understood to be a major deterrent for Real Madrid, which is why they are already looking to reinforce the left-back position with Alphonso Davies next year.
Mendy enjoys Ancelotti’s trust
Despite the non-stop speculations surrounding him, Mendy continues to enjoy the full trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Indeed, as per the report, the Italian tactician has informed the Frenchman that he is the left-back that best fits the defensive requirements needed in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision to bench Fran Garcia in the UEFA Champions League game even though Mendy was unavailable and start David Alaba at left-back was taken as an indicator within the dressing room that the Frenchman remains the first-choice in the position.
So, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the coming months, especially with Ancelotti’s future also uncertain as his contract expires in 2024.
