Real Madrid News
Chelsea owner has opened talks to sign €250 million-rated Real Madrid target – report
Even though the odds are stacked in favour of Real Madrid as far as Kylian Mbappe’s pursuit is concerned, there are other parties who continue to remain in the picture for his signing.
With Mbappe’s fate at PSG sealed, all signs point towards him leaving the club this summer, despite his insistence on wanting to see out the remaining year on his contract.
Real Madrid are keen on the 24-year-old and wish to close his signing by the second week of August, but could face some competition from other clubs.
Chelsea in the hunt for Mbappe?
According to journalist Pedro Morata on COPE, Chelsea are in the picture for the signing of Mbappe in the current transfer window.
Indeed, the Blues’ owner Todd Boehly has already called PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to explore the possibility of a transfer.
Chelsea have bolstered their frontline already this summer with the additions of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, both of whom are impressing heavily in pre-season.
But under the new ownership, Chelsea have not held back as far as their spending in the market is concerned and it would not come as a surprise to see them go after Mbappe’s signing with intent.
Mbappe wants only Real Madrid
PSG are seeking a transfer fee of around €250 million for their prized asset – something that Los Blancos are reluctant to pay, but Chelsea could be open to meeting that valuation.
While talks might have begun between Chelsea and PSG, any move would require Mbappe to give the final green light.
But, the 24-year-old has no intention of signing for any other club apart from Real Madrid, having already turned down a mammoth €200 million contract from Al Hilal.
The longer the status quo continues, the better for Real Madrid as it would force PSG to accept a lower fee than their initial demands.
At the same time, though, Los Merengues wish to close the book on his signing ideally before the season kicks off in the second week of August. So, things could start moving in the coming days.
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.
