Real Madrid News
Ancelotti likes 31-goal Serie A hitman, but Real Madrid unwilling to splash the cash
Real Madrid’s transfer window has seen a steep turn. From the initial claims that they are looking at multiple renowned names to strengthen the forward department, Los Blancos’ search for a striker has fallen flat on its face.
Carlo Ancelotti was the force responsible for propelling the idea of a big summer striker signing. After all, the manager had just lost the services of Karim Benzema and was desperate to fill the void with a quality name.
Harry Kane was the Italian tactician’s top choice on that front. According to reports from Mario Cortegana, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is another player really liked by the coach.
The 24-year-old took Serie A by storm last season, scoring 26 goals and providing four assists in Napoli’s sensational run to the title. He averaged over 1.1 key passes and a staggering 4.2 shots per game in that duration. He also netted five goals in the UCL, taking his total tally for the season to 31.
Moreover, Osimhen has been a star in Italy for a while now. With 13 and 16 goal contributions to his name in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons respectively, his numbers have only improved with every passing year.
The Nigerian international’s contract with Napoli runs out in 2025, and the Serie A champions are in talks with him over an extension. Real Madrid contacted the Italian club over his availability earlier this month but are said to be unwilling to meet their asking price.
Florentino Perez prefers to wait for Kylian Mbappe over any other striker in world football. The French international’s arrival this summer, however, is not simple and could get pushed over to 2024.
As it stands, it appears that the Merengues will see no further additions to their squad heading into the 2023-23 campaign. Joselu will serve as the team’s primary striker, with Vincius Jr and Rodrygo likely to flank him.
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.
