Real Madrid News
Four defenders Real Madrid are targeting ahead of the summer window – report
Real Madrid are staring at a hugely important summer after going back-to-back seasons without a major trophy.
One of the biggest priorities for Los Blancos is strengthening the centre-back department, which has been weakened by David Alaba’s departure and Eder Militao’s latest long-term injury.
According to journalist Ramon Alvarez, Real Madrid are closely tracking as many as four top central defenders with international pedigree heading into the summer.
The Merengues’ idea is to go into the season with at least five options in the centre-back position, and as such, could end up signing two defenders, depending on the future of Raul Asencio.
With that in mind, they are closely following four top European centre-halves who can arrive and make immediate impact.
Ibrahima Konate
The first name on the list happens to be that of Ibrahima Konate, who announced his departure from Liverpool over the weekend following the expiry of his contract.
The French international is rated highly at Real Madrid and has been on the club’s radar for a long time. His free agency makes a move appealing as well, although much will depend on his contractual demands.
Nico Schlotterbeck
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck continues to be on Real Madrid’s agenda despite his recent contract renewal at Signal Iduna Park.
The German international is highly appreciated by Los Blancos due to his left-footed profile. Moreover, his new contract is said to contain a special release clause worth around €50 million which the Spanish giants can trigger to secure his signing.
Josko Gvardiol
Another left-footed centre-back on Real Madrid’s radar, Josko Gvardiol has only two years left on his contract at Manchester City and has left the door open for a possible exit this summer.
At 24 years old, the Croatian international can be an excellent long-term signing for the Spanish capital giants. However, there is concern about the price that Manchester City could demand for him as well as his physical condition after a recent serious injury.
Alessandro Bastoni
The final top centre-back name that Real Madrid are closely following happens to be Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. The Italian had been linked strongly to Barcelona, but the Catalans have been discouraged by his price tag of around €60-70 million.
Despite the Nerazzurri insisting otherwise, Bastoni is expected to leave this summer and Jose Mourinho, who appears set to become the new Real Madrid manager, is an admirer of the 27-year-old defender.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
