Real Madrid News
Karim Benzema’s form pushes Erling Haaland away from Real Madrid
Real Madrid have the luxury of a fair bit of choice of transfers in the summer. In all likelihood, the club is keenly exploring the arrivals of Erling Haaland alongside long-time target Kylian Mbappe.
According to Diario AS, the Galacticos are keen on having one world-class acquisition aside from the obvious pursuit of Mbappe. The two names on top of the list are Aurelien Tchouameni and Haaland.
Tchouameni is reportedly all but done, while agreeing to terms with Haaland and Borussia Dortmund will also not be an issue, but after considering salaries and costs of acquisition, Madrid can only have one of the two this summer.
And the expendable at the moment seems to be the Norwegian striker, especially because Karim Benzema is in the form of his life.
The Frenchman has been instrumental for Los Blancos this season, with his latest exploits earning them a stunning comeback against Chelsea in the Champions League, ensuring progress to the semifinals of the competition.
Both Tchouameni and Haaland’s situations are similar in the sense that the players are looking to leave their respective clubs this summer, but an operation for Haaland will incur heavy additional fees for agent Mino Raiola and his father Alfie.
Real Madrid reportedly believe that the talismanic Benzema still has two years of football left in him at the very top level, which could mean that the Monaco midfielder would be a more sensible transfer.
Especially since Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, although important as ever, are at very advanced ages. Finding a long-term midfield presence to fill in for at least one of them is paramount.
Real Madrid News
Atletico striker hoping Bellingham has an off day during derby: “He is at a great level”
Speaking to DAZN (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata admitted that Real Madrid midfield superstar Jude Bellingham is performing at a great level.
Real Madrid take on Atletico in La Liga on Sunday in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano and without a doubt, Bellingham will pose a huge threat for the Rojiblancos.
Alvaro Morata hopes Bellingham as a quiet outing
Ahead of the blockbuster encounter on Sunday, Morata, who is Atletico’s main striker, admitted that Bellingham has great quality.
“I saw him last year in a few games, the truth is that he caught my attention. I saw him in his team and in his national team, and talking to people who had played with him, teammates he has, you could already see that he was a great player,” he said.
However, the former Real Madrid striker added that he hoped that the England international has an off day during the derby.
“The truth is that he is at a great level, we can only hope that he doesn’t do well and that we also have very good players to counteract that. We hope he doesn’t have a good day on Sunday,” Morata stated.
Bellingham fit and ready to go
Bellingham has been the in-form player for Real Madrid this season with six goals and an assist in six matches across all competitions.
So, naturally, there were concerns when he did not complete the training sessions on Friday due to stomach issues.
But, the 20-year-old returned to training today and Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he will play against Atleti tomorrow, with the Englishman named in the squad list as well.
