Real Madrid News
Real Madrid considering €100 million Frankfurt starlet as Benzema’s replacement
Randal Kolo Muani has become one of the most wanted prospects in the transfer market this summer. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker is coming on the back of an excellent spell in his debut season in the Bundesliga, racking up 15 goals and 14 assists in just 32 league matches.
Kolo Muani has played a key role in helping Frankfurt reach the final of the DFB Pokal as well, scoring six goals. He was also a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup French team that reached the final.
The former Nantes striker’s performances have not gone unnoticed either, with Bayern Munich most notably keen on acquiring his services ahead of the new season. The German champions are looking to beef up their goalscoring options ahead of the new season.
Kolo Muani fits the bill perfectly due to his high productivity in the final third. However, according to SportBILD (h/t Madrid Xtra), the Bavarians are set to face stiff competition in the race to sign the Frenchman, as Real Madrid have freshly added the player to the transfer shortlist.
The Spanish giants are looking for a new striker in the market following the untimely departure of Karim Benzema. The veteran forward has joined Al-Ittihad on a lucrative contract, leaving the club devoid of a reliable goalscoring option upfront.
Real Madrid have been mainly linked with a move for Harry Kane as the desired replacement for Benzema. But knowing making a move for the Englishman could disrupt the club’s plan to sign Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland in 2024, the club are open to other alternatives.
That is where Kolo Muani comes into the fray. The French international’s ability to sniff goalscoring opportunities, coupled with his creative prowess and tactical versatility should make him an ideal attacking partner for Vinicius and Rodrygo next season. He is priced at around €100 million, with little room to negotiate.
However, competing with Bayern could prove to be tricky, while Eintracht Frankfurt themselves will not be keen on offloading their star man on a cut-price deal this summer.
Hence, it will be interesting to see how this transfer saga takes shape in the coming month or so.
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.
