Real Madrid News
Real Madrid consider 23-year-old left-back a great reinforcement for next season
When Barcelona faced Rayo Vallecano earlier this week, their right wrong was kept under watch by Fran Garcia. Not only did the hosts’ left-back give a strong performance in defence but also scored a wonderful goal against Xavi’s side, sealing his team’s win.
Going by his consistency and top-level even against the elite opposition, it is not surprising that the offices of Real Madrid are buzzing over their latest acquisition. However, that has not always been the case.
For a long time after his signing, there were doubts over his profile and reports even suggested the club could sell him immediately in June. There has now been a turnaround, and MARCA reports that the club have big plans in mind for the youngster.
According to the Spanish outlet, Los Blancos see Fran Garcia as a more than able candidate to play as a left-back next season. They hope for him put pressure on Ferland Mendy and consider his signing to be a ‘bargain.’
The Merengues acquired Garcia from Rayo Vallecano in the winter transfer window for just €5 million after utilising their right to first refusal on the player. He will complete the season at Vallecas but is expected to arrive in Madrid immediately after that.
The 21-year-old is a product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, which means he already has a good understanding of the club’s values and culture. His familiarity with the club could make it easier for him to integrate into the team and contribute quickly.
Earlier today, news of Real Madrid’s dwindling faith in Ferland Mendy surfaced and even suggested the Frenchman’s departure if Nacho Fernandez renewed his contract. Needless to say, there is a good chance that Garcia will be the club’s starting left-back next season.
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.
