Real Madrid News
Guardiola rules out Man City move for Real Madrid target: “You know where he wants to go”
Speaking at a press event earlier today, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has ruled out a possible summer transfer move for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, doing so with a cheeky reply.
Mbappe has become the centre of attraction as far as the rumour mill is concerned heading into the summer window. This is following his announcement to not renew his contract with PSG which expires in 2024.
It has given way to speculations that PSG will sell him this summer as they wish to avoid losing him for nothing next year. At the same time, though, Mbappe continues to insist that he wishes to stay in Paris for the upcoming season.
Real Madrid are watching the situation closely given their long-standing interest in Mbappe. If the 24-year-old becomes available on the market this summer, they will make a move for him. If not, the Merengues will wait for him until 2024 to sign him for free.
Should he become available this summer, there are not many clubs that could afford Mbappe’s signing and meet his sporting ambitions.
Manchester City, for one, are one such team who have the financial clout to pull off his transfer and offer him a chance to compete for and win the biggest trophies.
So, Guardiola was naturally asked if the reigning European champions had plans to make a move for him this summer. But the former Barcelona head coach dismissed such a possibility with a cheeky response insinuating that the Frenchman wanted to join Real Madrid.
As quoted by MARCA, he said: “You know where he wants to go.”
As iterated earlier, Real Madrid are closely watching the situation surrounding Mbappe and have put all transfer plans on hold until a final decision regarding the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner’s future emerges.
In case he is put up for sale, the Merengues can ignore Manchester City as a possible competitor for Mbappe’s signing.
Real Madrid have started the 2023/24 campaign on a strong note, winning six in six across all competitions.
What makes the streak even more impressive is that they have had to do so without a number of key players present.
Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr are still out on the sidelines while Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy have only recently returned from injury.
But, earlier this week, Dani Carvajal became the latest victim of the injury course as he sustained a muscle issue that ruled him out of the match against Union Berlin last night.
Carvajal will undergo MRI tomorrow
Carvajal had been in fine form prior to his injury earlier this week and his absence is certainly a blow.
With a game against Atletico Madrid coming up later this weekend, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic is reporting that the 31-year-old will undergo his MRI scans tomorrow morning.
It should present a clearer picture of the extent of the veteran right-back’s injury following which a potential date for his return could be determined.
Prior to the Union Berlin match, manager Carlo Ancelotti sounded optimistic about Carvajal’s condition, as he said:
“Carvajal has an overload, we prefer not to take any risks. It’s nothing serious, he’ll undergo tests tomorrow and we hope he recovers soon. Carvajal can make it to the derby. The feelings are good.”
But tomorrow’s scans should provide a better picture of how his condition is and when he can make a comeback.
Lucas Vazquez: an able deputy
With Dani Carvajal unavailable, Carlo Ancelotti turned to Lucas Vazquez for the right-back position and the veteran Spaniard did not disappoint last night.
Indeed, the 32-year-old was a regular outlet going forward down the right flank and made six key passes against Union Berlin.
And Ancelotti will count on him again in the derby versus Atleti if Carvajal’s recovery will take longer.
