Real Madrid News
Real Madrid accept Mbappe’s arrival this summer is impossible, have no Plan B
According to Jose Felix Diaz of MARCA, Real Madrid no longer hide the fact that signing Kylian Mbappe this summer is impossible. The Merengues believed until very recently that things would fall into place, but it now appears out of reach.
The PSG star prefers to see out his contract with the French side purely for monetary gain. Moreover, he does not want to miss out on the lucrative signing bonus he will receive from Real Madrid next season if he joins as a free agent.
From the club’s perspective, there is no plan B. Florentino Perez does not have any names to look out for as an alternative for the coming campaign, putting Carlo Ancelotti in a difficult situation.
After all, the French prodigy’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu was taken for granted at the club offices. Such was the conviction in him that Real Madrid aborted talks with other potential transfer targets, including Harry Kane.
Under normal circumstances, such overt news about the youngster’s move this summer falling apart would coerce the club to reactivate the paused negotiations.
However, that is unlikely now because Los Blancos continue to prioritise Mbappe for next summer, and see another big-money signing as a futile operation.
The one to face the brunt of it will be the manager. Ancelotti has not seen any of the promises he was made materialise. With no solid signings in the forward department, the 2023/24 season will be a tedious one for the Italian.
His only hope, it appears, is the bleak chance of a loan signing going through. Reports suggest that Los Blancos could look to loan Dusan Vlahovic for a season from Juventus, but it is safe to say that the Old Lady will be reluctant to send their best player on loan.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
