Real Madrid News
Real Madrid deny any contact with Argentine striker’s agent amidst transfer talks – report
Real Madrid’s constant injuries have hit the team hard across the field. With just three forwards available in the squad of whom one is injured, the topic of signing a new forward in January has emerged as a leading topic of discussion.
The words of Mauro Icardi’s agent, thus, only fuelled such talks. He admitted that he was in Madrid to talk about the Argentine striker’s move, albeit with no concrete offer on the table yet.
“I’m in Madrid right now (yesterday). Real Madrid has not made any offer for Icardi. They have not yet made an official offer. But we are talking to those responsible for Real Madrid,” he said.
Real Madrid deny the news
Now, according to reports from MARCA, Real Madrid have denied the news of Icardi’s agent talking to club officials. They went a step further to state that they did not even know the agent at all.
It is thus confirmed that Los Blancos never held any interest in signing the Galatasaray star. As has been the case many times before, it appears to be an effort by the agent to make his client’s profile appear more appealing to suitors.
Joselu living the dream
Joselu has not enjoyed much continuity with Real Madrid as a starter this season, yet has not disappointed whenever given the chance.
The 33-year-old already has eight goals and two assists to his name across all competitions this season in just 21 games. Most recently, he was the hero of the night for Real Madrid, scoring twice in the comeback win over Union Berlin.
With the veteran striker performing optimally, there appears to be no room for a new striker. Moreover, the Merengues continue to maintain that they will make no recruitments in January.
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.
