Real Madrid News
Real Madrid getting closer to signing €150 million-rated Manchester City target – report
Real Madrid are getting closer and closer to the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder and Manchester City target Jude Bellingham, according to Carlos Carpio of MARCA.
Bellingham is one of the most wanted players in the transfer market heading into the summer window, with a whole host of top European clubs gunning for his signature.
Liverpool recently dropped out of the race for the 19-year-old, leaving Real Madrid and Manchester City as the main contenders for his signing, although Manchester United are also said to be in the race.
It had been suggested that Manchester City might hold an advantage over Real Madrid due to their financial muscle and the club’s close relationship with Borussia Dortmund.
However, Los Blancos have been working hard to sign the England international. While the Spanish capital outfit would not be in a position to offer him a fat contract like the Premier League champions, they are trying to convince him through their history, legacy and sporting project.
Reports even suggested that Real Madrid are pointing at Kylian Mbappe’s decision to reject them in order to convince Bellingham, given that the former has found European success once again hard to come by at PSG.
Borussia Dortmund’s asking price of around €150 million remains steep and Real Madrid have no plans to meet that valuation to sign the 19-year-old prospect.
But if they can convince Bellingham to join the club, the Merengues would be in a position to negotiate a lower fee with Dortmund. The two teams have a good working relationship, having executed several transfer deals in the past.
And, Carlos Carpio claims that, as things stand, Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid is getting closer, with the Englishman seen as the priority candidate despite links to other midfielders such as Gabri Veiga of Celta Vigo.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
