Real Madrid News
Ancelotti likes Real Madrid teenager, but no decision made on first-team promotion
Alvaro Rodriguez is quickly making a name for himself among the Real Madrid fanbase. The young striker made his senior debut earlier this season in a Copa del Rey encounter and got his maiden La Liga appearance this past weekend versus CA Osasuna.
The 18-year-old has been performing well for Castilla under Raul Gonzalez, scoring five goals in 16 games. And, on his La Liga debut this past weekend, the Uruguayan prospect made an impact after coming on as a sub, getting an assist on the night.
Now, The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana has come out with a detailed report on how Rodriguez’s signing at Real Madrid came about and what plans the club have for the teenage striker.
Rodriguez started his footballing journey at the Girona youth academy, close to FC Barcelona. But the Blaugrana did not make an attempt to sign him at any point as they felt he did not possess the “Barça DNA”.
And, Real Madrid took advantage of this situation and quickly swooped in. The report adds that Rodriguez has always been a fan of the Merengues and had his eyes set only on a move to the Spanish capital club after learning of their interest.
There were some concerns about the youngster and whether he was suited to playing as a left-winger, a position he used to feature in during his youth days.
But, gradually, under the eyes of the coaches at the club, the Uruguayan youth international has been polished and developed carefully. The report states that Castilla boss Raul Gonzalez has taken a special liking to the 18-year-old and has shown great belief and faith in the youngster.
As for his prospects with the first team, Cortegana writes that Carlo Ancelotti and his staff really like Alvaro Rodriguez. However, a decision over a permanent promotion to the senior team for the striker for the next season is yet to be made.
It is stated that Rodriguez could continue with Castilla for another year, especially if Raul’s side earn promotion to La Liga 2, while he will be called up to train with the seniors as and when needed.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid weighing up January move for €70 million-rated Arsenal midfielder – report
Real Madrid’s midfield is the one department where Jose Mourinho sees clear scope for improvement, especially given that the club did not sanction his wish for a top midfield signing in the summer.
While Bernardo Silva has chipped in as a handy option to feature in the deep midfield, the club still lacks a controlling and creative option who can glue the team together.
In that sense, there is a clear lacuna that Real Madrid need to address and Defensa Central brings to light that the club have opened up to a potential target.
Zubimendi emerges as a target
Indeed, the player in question is Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi who the club have seen as a target for a long time, and Real Madrid could even go on to sign him in January.
The Spanish international has not started off the new season well under Mikel Arteta and has primarily featured as a substitute. He does, thus, see a move to Madrid with good eyes in every sense.
Real Madrid, for their part, have not ruled out his signing as was reported in recent months and there is even a chance they seriously pursue him in the winter transfer window as a mid-season fix.
The possible fee
The Spanish outlet also add that Zubimendi’s move to Real Madrid could be completed for a fee similar to what Arsenal paid for the player for his transfer from Real Sociedad – €70 million.
Mourinho’s insistence on making a new midfield signing is no secret, and with a clear target now in mind, the board could well back him with the player he wishes.
Notably, however, even Chelsea are seriously interested in his signing.
So far, Federico Valverde has been Real Madrid’s mainstay in midfield, and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return will change the team’s dynamics in the department.
Neither player, however, offers the control and distribution skill set that the team direly lack.
A big part of whether or not the club pushes for Zubimendi, however, will depend on how the Valverde-Tchouameni combination plays out in the coming months. It is, after all, the manager’s first-choice combination for big games.
