Real Madrid News
Real Madrid emerge as a potential destination for 13-goal Arsenal, Leeds United target
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Real Madrid are showing an interest in PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo, who is on the radars of Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Leeds United.
Gakpo has been performing exceptionally in the Dutch Eredivisie over the past year and a half and had been linked with an exit this past summer. The aforementioned Arsenal and Leeds United had shown a keen interest while Manchester United were also looking at him.
The Red Devils eventually ended up signing Antony from AFC Ajax, but Leeds, as well as Arsenal, are still looking at Gakpo as a potential option to strengthen their attacking ranks. However, they might have to contend with competition from Real Madrid.
The report states that sources close to the Dutchman’s situation are claiming that Real Madrid have emerged as a ‘potential destination’ for Gakpo.
Leeds were believed to be closing in on an agreement for the 23-year-old. However, his recent brilliant form, coupled with the Whites’ failure to kick on in the new season, have cast doubts over a move, as the player no longer favours a transfer to Elland Road. Amidst this, Real Madrid have emerged as an option.
Real Madrid could need reinforcements in the attacking unit for next season as it seems extremely unlikely that Marco Asensio will be handed a contract extension. Eden Hazard’s time at the club could also be coming to an end, after yet another underwhelming start to the season.
It would create vacancies in the wide attacking areas that someone like Gakpo could fill. The Dutchman is also capable of playing through the middle and could provide cover to Karim Benzema, who is not getting any younger.
Gakpo has made an excellent start to the 2022/23 season, having already plundered 13 goals and ten assists from 16 matches across all competitions. One of the most prolific forwards in Europe based on current form, he could be a fine addition at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, with Leeds still trying to convince him and Arsenal also in the hunt, it remains to be seen if Real Madrid are prepared to enter the race for the Netherlands international.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
