Real Madrid News
Real Madrid held concrete talks with 23-year-old forward before €75m Arsenal move
Chelsea have been at the centre of the transfer market this summer. Not long ago, the Blues were in the headlines for making signing after signing, and this time around, they find themselves on a selling spree.
One of their biggest player departures so far this summer has been that of Kai Havertz. The youngster made a €75 million move to Arsenal (including add-ons), but it is no secret that Real Madrid were in pole position to sign him less than a month ago.
According to reports from Jorge C Picon, Los Blancos had a concrete interest in the German’s signing. In fact, Carlo Ancelotti approved of his arrival and Juni Calafat had been tracking his profile for close to three years.
Concrete meetings were held at the Valdebebas over Havertz’s arrival, and the club even discussed topics including his integration into the setup and the language barrier amongst others. The only roadblock, however, was Chelsea’s asking price.
Given Chelsea’s urgent need to sell players, Real Madrid were confident that they could milk out a better deal as the window progressed and the London-based side came under pressure. However, Arsenal’s entry changed the entire picture.
Mikel Arteta’s project really appealed to the player, and given his firm desire to leave Chelsea this summer, he reciprocated the interest. Real Madrid’s silence only fuelled talks with the Gunners and the result was a move to the Arsenal.
The German international, however, did not give up hope on Real Madrid until the very end. The report adds that there was a call between the club and Havertz’s entourage when the deal with Arsenal was close to complete where the Merengues once again enquired about the fee. However, it did not fit their budget.
As it stands, the men in white are waiting on a response from Kylian Mbappe over a potential move. Not much is known about their communication with other potential targets to reinforce the forward line.
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.
