Real Madrid News
28-year-old Manchester City star on the radars of Real Madrid – report
Real Madrid have suffered in the full-back department all season. While the team’s deficiencies have primarily been at the left-back position, the right-back department also has no successor to Dani Carvajal.
According to reports from Kerry Hau of Sport1, Real Madrid are monitoring Joao Cancelo’s situation very closely and could make a move for him in June.
The Portuguese international made himself a household name under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. His stocks shot through the roof during his four-year spell at Etihad as the Spanish tactician brought out his very best in a plethora of positions.
Cancelo then joined Bayern Munich on a loan deal in January after a falling out at Manchester City. His spell in Germany, got off to a rough start with the player not getting as many minutes as he would have liked under his belt. But things are improving since Thomas Tuchel took over as manager.
In 13 Bundesliga appearances so far this season, Cancelo has scored one goal and provided four assists for the Bavarians. He averages one key pass per game and has created four big chances.
Manchester City want a fee of €70 million from Bayern Munich to make Cancelo’s move permanent in June. The Germans see the number to be steep and are not keen on exercising the clause. In such a situation, Real Madrid could swoop in, especially if a lower fee can be agreed upon.
The Portuguese international not brings not only quality but also some much-needed versatility to the table. He can operate both as a left-back and a right-back.
With the future of Nacho Fernandez unclear, Real Madrid could really do with a dynamic player who can cover multiple roles in the defensive line.
Cancelo would fit that bill and a move is possible if an economic midpoint can be reached. After all, they rejected his signing for the steep fee not so long ago.
Apart from Cancelo, Real Madrid are also looking at his Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker and PSG ace Achraf Hakimi as options to reinforce the right-back slot.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
