Real Madrid News
Inter vice president dismisses Real Madrid rumours for star striker: “We know nothing”
One of the destinations Real Madrid’s desperate search for a new striker took them was the city of Milan. As Karim Benzema prepares to announce his departure from the club, many saw Lautaro Martinez as the ideal replacement considering his consistency and form at the club level.
Inter Milan vice-President Javier Zanetti spoke to TyC Sports about the situation of the World Cup-winning striker and revealed that the player was happy in the blue-and-black colour.
“I’m so calm as Lautaro’s really happy here at Inter.”
Zanetti did not beat around the bush and directly got to the point of Real Madrid’s interest, denying the existence of any such occurrence.
“I haven’t heard anything about Real Madrid rumours, we know nothing about that.”
The 25-year-old has been one of the driving forces behind the Nerazzuri’s stunning run this season across all competitions. He has scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 37 Serie A appearances and has also created nine big chances.
The Argentine scored both goals on the night last week when Inter Milan downed Fiorentina to take the Coppa Italia title. In fact, he has eleven goal contributions in his last nine games for the club.
Benzema’s sudden decision to leave Real Madrid has shaken up the administration, who have less than a month to finalise the arrival of a new striker.
Reports state that the club do not plan to spend big on a number nine this summer, and a long-term signing will be the priority next year.
Roberto Firmino has also emerged as one of the top contenders to replace the Ballon d’Or winner. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that the Merengues’ transfer plans are now in jeopardy.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
