Real Madrid News
Chelsea midfielder ‘much closer’ to Real Madrid than Manchester City heavyweight
Real Madrid are in the market for a new top-class midfielder heading into the summer transfer window, with several players being linked as potential targets.
Two of the most prominent names being touted as possible targets are Manchester City superstar Rodri and Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez.
Intriguingly, both the Premier League stars have dropped hints about being open to a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer in the ongoing international break.
Enzo Fernandez ‘closer’ than Rodri
However, according to journalist Raul Varela on Radio MARCA, as things stand, it is Enzo Fernandez who is ‘much closer’ to a move to Real Madrid than Rodri.
As per the update, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has absolutely no interest in signing Rodri at this point, which is why the Spanish international has little to no chance of joining Los Blancos in the summer.
And, Enzo is understood to be closer than Rodri when it comes to the possibility of making the switch to the Spanish capital before next season starts.
The Argentine international is clearly unsettled at Chelsea and openly spoke about wanting to live in Madrid in a recent interview.
“I’d like to live in Spain. I really like Madrid. It reminds me of Buenos Aires. I would live in Madrid,” he said.
“A player lives wherever he wants. I can get by in English, but I’d be better with Spanish,” the Chelsea ace added.
While Enzo will be a long-term solution, considering he is much younger than Rodri, Real Madrid will likely have to shell out a huge sum for his signing.
After all, Chelsea splashed in excess of €100 million for his transfer from SL Benfica and have him tied down to a long-term contract until 2033.
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.
