Real Madrid News
Real Madrid face roadblock in pursuit of former Barcelona striker – report
The relationship between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid has seldom been sorer than it is now. Los Blancos broke the non-aggression pact by signing their neighbours’ academy talents earlier in the window, and now seem set to take it a step further.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been on the lookout for a new number nine who could potentially replace Karim Benzema in the near future. Needless to say, that mission has been far from easy.
According to reports from Jose Felix Diaz, Real Madrid now have their eyes on Atletico Madrid target Iker Bravo.
Los Rojiblancos had an agreement in place with the Spaniard, but the situation has changed after the entry of Real Madrid into the race. Needless to say, this will make the relationship between the two clubs to a new low.
The Champions of Europe see the Bayer Leverkusen striker as a bet for the future and do not intend for him to join the first team immediately. In their eyes, he is a player who can develop at the Castilla before an eventual promotion.
Yet, the economics of the deal seem to be the biggest hurdle. The German outfit are asking for a fee far higher than what Real Madrid can offer and the negotiations will be long and complicated.
At the moment, Bravo’s signing is not seen as a priority and Real Madrid are in no rush to hasten the negotiations. Moreover, Ancelotti has other options on his table including the young Jonathan Burkardt.
Last season, Bravo made only one league appearance for the Leverkusen first team but was a constant presence in the youth teams. Needless to say, the player will need a lot of polishing before he can start for a club of Los Blancos’ stature.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
