Real Madrid News
Ancelotti has not asked Real Madrid to sign another striker, will bring it up next week
Regardless of what has been said in the media regarding Real Madrid’s plan to sign a centre-forward, Spanish publication MARCA (h/t Madrid Universal) has claimed that manager Carlo Ancelotti still has not given his opinion regarding the issue.
This means the Italian has not spoken about Harry Kane, Roberto Firmino or Richarlison for that matter to the management as they continue to assess the striking options for the upcoming season.
Madrid’s urge to sign a centre-forward comes on the back of the fact that Karim Benzema’s future is now in limbo. The Frenchman has received a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, worth up to €200 million for two years, along with other benefits.
It is said that the offer from the Middle East arrived just before Madrid’s away game against Sevilla in the league. Considering the money involved, the team from the capital city can now ponder the option of looking for a replacement.
At the moment, they are open to all possibilities. First up, if the player wants to continue, they are ready to offer him a contract extension until 2024. If not, they will be forced to look for an out-an-out centre-forward.
Whoever comes in as Benzema’s replacement will be a short-term option as Madrid already have big plans for the summer of 2024, with the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Erlking Haaland slated. In turn, Madrid have turned their attention to Espanyol striker Joselu.
As reported before, the 33-year-old will arrive on loan for the 2023/24 season with no fee involved. All Madrid need to do is pay him his salary. Joselu’s arrival would certainly establish a sense of relief, but if Benzema departs, Madrid will go back to owing a solitary striker.
Up until now, Ancelotti has refused to name names, but it is said that he has his targets shortlisted. However, as stated earlier, he has not talked about any big names so far.
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.
