Real Madrid News
Liverpool midfield target wants to join Real Madrid in the summer – report
Though initially taken in bad taste, Kylian Mbappe’s rejection of Real Madrid has opened up multiple avenues in the club’s transfer market.
With a replenished budget and salary cap, Los Blancos now look to strengthen other positions that required urgent attention but were sacrificed for the Frenchman’s arrival.
One amongst these positions is the defensive midfield. Casemiro has stamped his authority over the CDM position for Real Madrid in recent years, but Florentino Perez considers it the optimum time to sign a replacement.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been on the transfer list of several European giants for the coming summer transfer window. However, reports last night said that the AS Monaco midfielder had agreements in place with both Real Madrid and Liverpool.
According to Paul Gorst, Liverpool have been informed by Tchouameni’s entourage that the player has opted to join Madrid in June.
In 33 league starts for the Ligue 1 side this season, the youngster has scored three goals and provided two assists. His biggest impact, however, is defensively. The 22 year old averages three interceptions, 2.5 tackles, a clearance and seven duels won per ninety minutes.
At Real Madrid, Tchouameni would be part of a long term project alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde to replace the great midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric.
One could argue that he would not find a better project proposal with any other club in Europe.
It remains to be seen if Perez can complete the player’s transfer without any further twists in the tale. The player’s desire to don the white of Madrid, however, comes as a big relief to the club for it all but seals his move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
