Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Chelsea leading race to sign World Cup’s ‘best defender’
According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio on Soccernews.nl, Real Madrid and Chelsea are the ‘most interested’ teams in securing the signing of Croatia and RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.
The left-footed, towering centre-back has been one of the best defenders at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 and played a key role in Croatia’s semi-final run in the tournament.
His rise to prominence in Qatar and his performances for RB Leipzig before that have put him on the radars of several top clubs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea.
While Los Blancos have an abundance of options in the centre-back department, Nacho Fernandez is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to renew, due to his lack of game-time.
Jesus Vallejo does not feature prominently in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans and could be moved on as well. In such a scenario, there could be room open for a new central defender to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu, making Gvardiol an interesting target for Real Madrid.
However, the Merengues will need to stave off the interest from Chelsea if they wish to land the Croatian centre-half. The Blues had shown interest in Gvardiol back in the summer as well and are again sniffing around for a possible opening to swoop him away from RB Leipzig.
As per the update from Di Marzio, both Chelsea and Real Madrid have already put in bids for Gvardiol, but his value has further skyrocketed in lieu of him being the ‘best defender’ at the World Cup.
The report claims that Chelsea could test the waters with a fresh offer in January, whereas Real Madrid would prefer to wait until the summer to make their move.
Los Blancos have already beaten Chelsea to the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick recently. And they are likely to be keen on coming out on top in the battle for Gvardiol’s signing as well.
But with the 20-year-old’s value soaring high following a stunning World Cup run, it remains to be seen if Real Madrid are willing to splash the big bucks on him, especially when they might have to spend heavily on a new midfielder next summer.
According to AS, Atletico Madrid have made the first approach for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, who has also been linked heavily with a move to Real Madrid and Arsenal.
The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects in Spanish football this season, having already netted nine goals in La Liga.
It has alerted a series of top-level clubs, with the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid all being linked with the youngster, who has a €40 million release clause in his contract with Celta.
Real Madrid are in the market for midfield reinforcements and have identified Jude Bellingham as their top target, but Veiga is also said to be on the agenda at the Santiago Bernabeu
However, recently, the Galician club’s president confirmed that there had been contact from clubs in England, but stated that Real Madrid had made no approach.
On top of that, a report from MARCA quoted a club source saying that they were not contemplating signing the 20-year-old.
Amidst this, it has now emerged that Atletico Madrid have made an approach towards signing Veiga from Celta Vigo in the summer transfer window.
The Rojiblancos are also in the market for new midfielders amid question marks over the futures of Saul Niguez and Geoffrey Kondogbia.
While Diego Simeone’s side have taken a first step, the report indicates that Veiga, in case of the absence of interest from Real Madrid, would prefer to join Arsenal.
So, the Colchoneros will need to put in efforts to convince the 20-year-old to choose them over a move to the Premier League club come summer if they are serious about adding the talented youngster to their roster for next season.
