Real Madrid News
Inter Milan closely monitoring Real Madrid right-back’s situation – report
Pre-season is often the final chance for a departing player to prove his worth to the manager. Not many players on the exit list get such an opportunity and the few who do often fail to utilize it.
Alvaro Odriozola’s story at Real Madrid this summer has been similar. At the end of last season, the defender’s departure from the Bernabeu looked certain, but he was given one final chance on the US tour.
Carlo Ancelotti was reportedly unimpressed by the right-back’s performance in the preseason. Now, Odriozola is set to leave the club.
According to reports from Ekrem Konur, Inter Milan are closely monitoring the situation of the Real Madrid right-back.
The Italians have Denzel Dumfries as their first choice right-back, but the Dutch international is linked with a move to the Premier League. With Chelsea edging closer to Dumfries’ signing, the Nerazzuri see Odriozola as an ideal replacement.
Daniel Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez are ahead of the 26-year-old in the pecking order. Needless to say, being a third-choice starter makes Odriozola a surplus in Ancelotti’s plans.
The former Real Sociedad player’s contract with Los Blancos ends in June 2024. It would appear that the current window is the best time for the club to sell him and gather some profit.
Last season, he made 13 league appearances for Real Madrid and scored two goals. However, he only oversaw three clean sheets and averaged less than five defensive actions per game.
It will be difficult for the club to find the right-back a suitor, given his high salary and low market value. Nevertheless, Inter Milan’s interest in the player comes as a sigh of relief, and one hopes it stems into something concrete.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
