Real Madrid News
Bayern Munich enter race to sign Real Madrid striker target
Real Madrid’s operation to sign Erling Haaland this summer could be the club’s most ambitious transfer project ever, given how Los Blancos have already outlined the plan to sign Kylian Mbappe.
The Spanish giants are in talks with Frenchman’s entourage over a Bosman deal and an agreement could be reached as early as next week.
However, the pursuit of Haaland is getting trickier by the minute, thanks to the involvement of Manchester City and Barcelona. And if Jan Aage Fjortoft is to be believed, Bayern Munich have joined the race as well, which could further compound Real Madrid’s strategy.
It appears the Bavarians have identified the young Norwegian as an ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is apparently keen on leaving Allianz Arena in the summer.
Bayern have always remained alert on Haaland’s situation, but have never really entertained the idea of signing him due to the financial implications it could inflict on the club. But the potential exit of Lewandowski in the summer could force them to step up their pursuit, and give Real Madrid a run for their money.
Bayern Munich are no stranger to signing players from their direct rivals, having roped in the likes of Lewandowski, Mats Hummels and Mario Gotze from Dortmund in the past.
They had even signed two RB Leipzig stars last summer, including Dayot Upamecano while poaching head coach Julian Nagelsmann as well.
The pursuit of Haaland, though, could be tricky as reports suggest the operation could cost around €250 million if you factor in the transfer fees, agent commission and player salaries. It might not bode not just for Bayern but Real Madrid as well, who are in a perilous financial situation themselves.
With that in mind, it is certainly unlikely that Los Blancos will be able to sign both Haaland and Mbappe in the summer. But should they do, it will be equally tricky for Carlo Ancelotti to fit them into the same team.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
