Real Madrid News
Real Madrid and Barcelona keeping tabs on Manchester City defender
French news outlet Foot Mercato (h/t Diario SPORT) has delivered a mixed transfer update, as far as Real Madrid are concerned.
The report claims Manchester City are prioritising a move for one of Madrid’s top defensive targets in the form of Josko Gvardiol. The RB Leipzig starlet has emerged as the desired target for Pep Guardiola as he looks to make a major overhaul in the defensive unit this summer.
However, the report also states that Gvardiol’s potential arrival at Etihad could pave the way for the departure of Aymeric Laporte, with Real Madrid monitoring the situation.
The Spanish international has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola this season, having only racked up seven league appearances. It appears the coach has favoured the likes of Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake ahead of Laporte this term.
The uncertainty over Laporte’s role in the team could see him depart Etihad at the end of the season. The player himself is likely to favour a return to Spain, having started his career at Athletic Club.
That is where Real Madrid come to the fray. The Spanish giants are actively looking for reinforcements in the defensive unit in the coming summer. Depending on the renewal of Nacho Fernandez, they could even make a move for Laporte.
Although Los Merengue may face stiff competition from arch-rivals Barcelona, it must be noted that the Catalans are unlikely to go into a bidding war for the defender due to their limited finances.
Real Madrid, in contrast, have the cash to burn and may have the economic firepower to fund a move for Laporte, whose contract at Etihad expires in the summer of 2025.
The Spaniard, who has substantial experience in La Liga, could prove to be an ideal competitor for the likes of Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba next season and a long-term replacement for the ageing Nacho, thus making him an appealing target for Los Blancos.
As we approach the final phase of the 2022/23 campaign, Real Madrid are facing immense pressure to renew the contracts of two of their veterans Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
According to a recent report from Josep Pedrerol, Real Madrid have been made aware that Saudi Arabian clubs have contacted the two, with the aim of bringing them to the Middle East to enhance their league.
Modric has been facing an uncertain future with his contract expiring at the end of the season. While he is in talks with Madrid over a renewal, the midfielder has also been approached by Saudi Arabian clubs, as they look to enhance the league by roping in stars from Europe.
Al Nassr notably made headlines earlier in the year by bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Since then, Saudi clubs have been linked with moves for players like Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and even Lionel Messi.
Modric, too, is considered one of the top targets for Saudi clubs. Although the midfielder has expressed his desire to continue at the Bernabeu for at least another year, a deal with Real Madrid has not materialised. This has opened up a window of opportunity for Saudi clubs to make their move.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema was reported to be close to finalising a renewal recently, but an agreement is yet to be reached. The Frenchman has had his share of struggles with injuries and fitness this season, which has led to questions about his longevity and future at Real Madrid.
While the links to a move to Saudi Arabia have not been as prominent for Benzema, it is expected that the Saudi clubs may jump on any opportunity to lure the striker to the Middle East.
Real Madrid are aware of the situation and are working to secure the futures of their star players. However, with the prospect of lucrative contracts being offered by the Saudi Arabian clubs, the players themselves may be tempted to make the move.
