Real Madrid News
Ancelotti and Real Madrid not on the same page over centre-forward targets – report
Karim Benzema’s future at Real Madrid is no longer as secure as it appeared a few days ago. His renewal for an additional season appeared to be only a matter of time with a complete agreement having been reached. However, his situation has taken a radical turn in the last 24 hours.
An economically lucrative offer of €200 million now has the Frenchman’s attention and he is seriously studying the possibility of moving to Saudi Arabia. He is, at this point, closer to leaving Real Madrid than staying.
The turn of tables now has the club rearranging priorities ahead of the summer transfer window. The centre-forward position that was seen as a secondary objective now becomes the prime priority.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana, there is a clash of ideas been manager Carlo Ancelotti and the club on that front.
The manager wants to sign a top-class number nine come June. The options on the table with such criteria would appear to be Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
However, Real Madrid are focusing on a cheaper option for next season and see Joselu or Roberto Firmino as possible signings.
The Merengues hope to lure one of Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 as a Galactico signing. Needless to say, that explains their idea of looking for a temporary solution.
At the same time, however, Ancelotti’s concern is warranted too. After all, he will be left with no direct backups if Benzema bids farewell next month and will have to go an entire season with subpar options. One of Kane, Osimhen, or Dusan Vlahovic would make his job easier.
One can expect the situation to take a definitive turn in the coming weeks after the Frenchman takes a final decision on his next step.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
