Real Madrid News
Real Madrid end pursuit of €80 million-rated Manchester United striker target
There appears to be no concrete plan at Real Madrid for the centre-forward situation. Joselu’s signing was a step in the right direction, but one knows that having just three attacking options for an entire season is far from the test Carlo Ancelotti wants to be put to.
Los Blancos are in dire need of at least one more elite forward signing. However, the planning and management of the situation thus far has been haphazard.
As unhealthy as it is, Real Madrid have decided to base their entire transfer window around the hope of signing Kylian Mbappe. The club’s contacts with potential alternatives have all hit a dead-end as Los Blancos wait for clarification from France.
According to reports from L’Equipe, the Merengues have dropped their interest in Randal Kolo Muani. He joins a list of names including Harry Kane and Dusan Vlahovic who the club seriously considered as options but dropped hoping for Mbappe’s arrival.
The 24-year-old forward was instrumental in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Bundesliga campaign last season. In 32 starts, he scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists, racking up 11 big chances created in the same duration.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have the Frenchman on their radars, and it is clear that he will make a move to a bigger club this summer.
Needless to say, Real Madrid’s withdrawal from the race, potentially because of his €80 million price tag, comes as a massive relief for the aforementioned parties.
All eyes are now on Florentino Perez to see how he handles the situation with Mbappe. The prodigious superstar is indeed closer than ever to joining his dream club, but there is undoubtedly a tangible difference between close and complete.
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.
