Real Madrid News
‘Never an option’ – Jorge Mendes shuts down Real Madrid’s hope for dream midfield targets
Real Madrid’s search for midfield reinforcements has suffered a significant setback after Jorge Mendes effectively ruled out any possibility of Joao Neves or Vitinha leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The two Portuguese internationals have frequently been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in recent months, with both players viewed as ideal candidates to strengthen Real Madrid’s midfield.
However, Mendes has now made it clear that neither player is expected to leave the French champions.
What was said?
Speaking to Fabrizio Romano, the influential super agent delivered a strong response regarding the futures of his clients, suggesting that any hopes of seeing either midfielder in Madrid are unrealistic at this stage.
It must be noted that Real Madrid are in the market for a marquee signing this summer, especially after being rejected in their attempt to sign Julian Alvarez following a €150 million bid.
That has naturally led to speculation surrounding players such as Vitinha and Joao Neves, who could be Perez’s new targets. However, Mendes has poured cold water on those rumours.
“Vitinha and Joao (Neves) were never an option for anyone. They are non-negotiable for Paris Saint-Germain and are very, very happy at PSG,” said the super agent.
The message leaves little room for interpretation, as PSG have no intention of discussing offers for either player, while both footballers are fully committed to continuing their careers in Paris.
Real Madrid need to explore other options
The appeal of both players is obvious, as Vitinha has developed into one of Europe’s most complete midfielders, combining technical quality with intelligence in possession.
Neves, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of the brightest young midfield talents in world football.
Either player would fit perfectly into Real Madrid’s long-term project, but the problem is that PSG view both as untouchable assets.
As a result, Florentino Perez and the club’s recruitment department may have little choice but to shift their attention elsewhere.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid weighing up January move for €70 million-rated Arsenal midfielder – report
Real Madrid’s midfield is the one department where Jose Mourinho sees clear scope for improvement, especially given that the club did not sanction his wish for a top midfield signing in the summer.
While Bernardo Silva has chipped in as a handy option to feature in the deep midfield, the club still lacks a controlling and creative option who can glue the team together.
In that sense, there is a clear lacuna that Real Madrid need to address and Defensa Central brings to light that the club have opened up to a potential target.
Zubimendi emerges as a target
Indeed, the player in question is Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi who the club have seen as a target for a long time, and Real Madrid could even go on to sign him in January.
The Spanish international has not started off the new season well under Mikel Arteta and has primarily featured as a substitute. He does, thus, see a move to Madrid with good eyes in every sense.
Real Madrid, for their part, have not ruled out his signing as was reported in recent months and there is even a chance they seriously pursue him in the winter transfer window as a mid-season fix.
The possible fee
The Spanish outlet also add that Zubimendi’s move to Real Madrid could be completed for a fee similar to what Arsenal paid for the player for his transfer from Real Sociedad – €70 million.
Mourinho’s insistence on making a new midfield signing is no secret, and with a clear target now in mind, the board could well back him with the player he wishes.
Notably, however, even Chelsea are seriously interested in his signing.
So far, Federico Valverde has been Real Madrid’s mainstay in midfield, and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return will change the team’s dynamics in the department.
Neither player, however, offers the control and distribution skill set that the team direly lack.
A big part of whether or not the club pushes for Zubimendi, however, will depend on how the Valverde-Tchouameni combination plays out in the coming months. It is, after all, the manager’s first-choice combination for big games.
