Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eyeing Chelsea, Liverpool stars for key position, Barcelona also keen – report
It is safe to say that the role of full-backs has evolved exponentially over the years in the world of full-ball.
From being defensive modalities down the flanks to becoming one of the most dynamic weapons in the final third, the position has seen a large shift in recent decades.
At Real Madrid, the importance of dynamic full-backs is further emphasised.
Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez have covered the right-back role well on that front. Now past 30, both players are rightly considered to be entering their final years at the club and Real Madrid are looking for their next right-back.
Target England?
According to a report from Graeme Bailey of 90 Min, Los Blancos have their eyes set on two players in the Premier League to take forward the right-back position – Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Chelsea’s Reece James.
Interestingly, the report adds that the Merengues’ arch-rivals, Barcelona, are also eyeing the same duo.
Los Blancos’ interest in the Chelsea defender is no novelty, for it has been widely reported in recent times as an active operation. The links to Alexander-Arnold, however, arrive as a new update.
Both are premier right-backs in England and have tasted success with their respective clubs, and given their age, would be long-term solutions to the right-back slot at Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Is the chosen one in Chelsea?
Reece James’ contract at Chelsea runs until the summer of 2028, making it a difficult deal for Real Madrid to approach from a financial perspective. After all, they will have little to no leverage over the transfer fees.
What could play into their hands, however, is Chelsea’s compulsion to sell. After their frenzied run of arrivals last summer, the English side must let go of some of their players to balance the books. Real Madrid hope to take advantage of the situation.
The right-back’s market value stands at €65 million, and Chelsea hope to get every penny of the aforementioned amount. Florentino Perez is willing to go up to €40 million, and it remains to be seen if a deal can be struck.
However, Graeme Bailey claims that James remains committed to continuing at Chelsea despite the interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Meanwhile, not much is known as to Alexander-Arnold’s links with the Merengues.
But the report adds that Liverpool are in talks with the player over a renewal, and the coming days will be vital if a move to Spain is to go through.
Aurelien Tchouameni has had an exciting start to his career at Real Madrid. Since joining the club for almost €80 million last summer, the young Frenchman has now become a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s midfield unit.
However, prior to his move to Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder was closely linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
In a recent interview, Tchouameni opened up on his links to PSG but revealed his decision to join Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni on PSG links
Talking about speculations linking him to PSG, Tchouameni said (h/t Madrid Zone), “PSG? Frankly, I thought about it. It’s a very big European club, we want the French clubs to succeed.”
“But honestly, when Real Madrid calls you, it’s very complicated to say no,” Tchouameni added.
The midfielder was linked with a move to PSG during his time at AS Monaco. Les Parisiens wanted to sign the youngster as part of their plans to reinforce the midfield unit.
Tchouameni, though, ended up opting for a move to Real Madrid, which turned out to be a prudent decision from the midfielder’s end.
Tchouameni’s career at Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni made a total of 50 competitive appearances during his maiden season at Real Madrid.
Although the Frenchman was not entirely a first-team regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup, his stature in the team is expected to grow in the coming years.
Especially as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric move on at the end of the season, there is scope for Tchouameni to become a first-team regular in the Real Madrid midfield in the years to come.
The former AS Monaco starlet has already played a crucial role in the starting eleven so far this season and it is only going to continue as the season progresses.
