Real Madrid News
Fringe Real Madrid defender rejected Chelsea, Liverpool in the summer
It is no secret that Raul Asencio is no longer the golden boy of the Real Madrid defence, having had a rapid fall from grace after his initial breakthrough.
Asencio has been subject to multiple off-field controversies while his on-field performances haven’t been particularly impressive either.
This had led to Real Madrid pressurising him to leave the club in the summer, as part of the team’s summer clearout. But the defender opted to remain at the club and fight for his place in the team.
Asencio rejected multiple offers
A recent report from MARCA has offered some key insights into Asencio’s transfer saga in the summer, adding that the defender had to turn down multiple top clubs in order to remain at Real Madrid.
Asencio had offers from both Chelsea and Liverpool over a potential move to the Premier League. But he did not entertain either of them and was hell belt on proving himself at Real Madrid.
The versatile defender also had a mouth-watering offer from an unnamed Turkish club, an offer that could have made any player reconsider.
But Asencio rejected that as well, despite the fact that Jose Mourinho had asked him to consider leaving the club as he was not part of the new coach’s plans.
Still hope left for Asencio?
Mourinho is not someone who swallows his words and hence, it is no surprise that Asencio is yet to feature in a single minute of action so far this season.
That being said, there is hope yet for the versatile defender, perhaps even for Real Madrid’s next game against Villarreal.
That is because Ibrahima Konate will be a doubt after having to withdraw from the French national team camp after a knock while Dean Huijsen has been handed a one-match suspension.
This leaves Mourinho with Antonio Rudiger as the only proven centre-back option, which means Asencio could get a rare opportunity to prove himself.
This is far from guaranteed, though, as it is quite possible Konate could become fully fit for the Villarreal clash. But it will be interesting to see, nonetheless, if Asencio gets an opportunity when the season restarts.
Real Madrid News
Chelsea, Liverpool ready to move for Real Madrid midfield target in January – report
Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Alex Scott’s situation. The AFC Bournemouth midfielder has been impressing in the Premier League and recently made his debut for the England national team.
Given their need for a midfield reinforcement, Real Madrid are tracking the youngster as the Spanish giants believe he could provide a different profile to complement their existing options.
Chelsea, Liverpool ready to move in January
According to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Real Madrid intend to continue monitoring Scott throughout the season before deciding whether to make a move in next summer’s transfer window.
However, they could face competition from the Premier League, with Liverpool and Chelsea also tracking the 23-year-old.
Both Premier League clubs are preparing substantial offers for Scott ahead of the January transfer window.
Bournemouth have placed an €80 million valuation on the midfielder, although the club have no intention of selling him in January and would prefer to consider a departure next summer.
The Cherries are already looking at potential replacements and have identified Fer Lopez as a long-term successor.
Real Madrid prepared to wait until the summer
Real Madrid are already planning their recruitment strategy for next summer, monitoring several players before deciding which targets to pursue when the transfer window opens.
For now, the Merengues are not expected to make a move for Scott in January. Instead, they intend to continue assessing his performances and availability over the coming months.
If the Bournemouth midfielder becomes available from June onwards, the Spanish capital giants will then decide whether to make a formal approach.
Their preference to wait could leave the door open for Liverpool and Chelsea to move first, particularly if either club are prepared to meet Bournemouth’s valuation during the winter window.
In the meantime, Jose Mourinho & co. are also keeping an eye on other options to strengthen their midfield. In fact, recent reports suggest that an enquiry has been made for Napoli star Scott McTominay.
The Scotsman contract with the Serie A side expires in 2028 and with his club not offering a renewal so far, he could emerge as a serious option.
