Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify 19-year-old World Cup sensation as Vinicius’ replacement amid contract uncertainty – report
Vinicius Jr.’s contract situation continues to generate discussion within Real Madrid, and the club is already studying possible scenarios should negotiations fail to reach a positive conclusion.
According to Defensa Central, in that regard, Real Madrid have identified Yan Diomande as a potential successor to Vinicius if the Brazilian ultimately leaves the Santiago Bernabeu.
While much of the attention has been directed towards Michael Olise as a possible Galactico signing, the report claims the club is equally attentive to the progress of the highly-rated teenager.
At present, Vinicius’ renewal remains unresolved, and Real Madrid are unwilling to ignore the possibility of losing one of their biggest stars in the coming years.
Real Madrid monitoring Diomande
The uncertainty surrounding the Brazilian has naturally forced Real Madrid to consider alternatives in the transfer market.
On that note, Yan Diomande has emerged as one of the names being discussed, especially following the 19-year-old’s performances during the FIFA World Cup.
“Olise is the request Florentino Pérez hears from all the fans, wherever he goes.
“That option remains open and will depend on an official offer being presented to Bayern Munich. But there’s another ace up Real Madrid’s sleeve: Yan Diomande,” reports Tomas Gonzalez-Martin.
Vinicius renewal talks remain unresolved
According to the report, Vinicius Jr has not committed his future to Real Madrid despite discussions over a contract extension continuing for several months.
Notably, the Brazilian is seeking a signing bonus worth €20 million as part of a new agreement, creating a gap between the player’s demands and Real Madrid’s current position.
Should an agreement fail to materialise, the possibility of Vinicius leaving on a free transfer in 2027 cannot be completely dismissed.
At present, while Vinicius remains one of the most important players and Real Madrid still hope to secure his renewal, the club also understands the importance of preparing for every eventuality.
Which is why Diomande remains a name to watch from Real Madrid’s perspective.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid weighing up January move for €70 million-rated Arsenal midfielder – report
Real Madrid’s midfield is the one department where Jose Mourinho sees clear scope for improvement, especially given that the club did not sanction his wish for a top midfield signing in the summer.
While Bernardo Silva has chipped in as a handy option to feature in the deep midfield, the club still lacks a controlling and creative option who can glue the team together.
In that sense, there is a clear lacuna that Real Madrid need to address and Defensa Central brings to light that the club have opened up to a potential target.
Zubimendi emerges as a target
Indeed, the player in question is Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi who the club have seen as a target for a long time, and Real Madrid could even go on to sign him in January.
The Spanish international has not started off the new season well under Mikel Arteta and has primarily featured as a substitute. He does, thus, see a move to Madrid with good eyes in every sense.
Real Madrid, for their part, have not ruled out his signing as was reported in recent months and there is even a chance they seriously pursue him in the winter transfer window as a mid-season fix.
The possible fee
The Spanish outlet also add that Zubimendi’s move to Real Madrid could be completed for a fee similar to what Arsenal paid for the player for his transfer from Real Sociedad – €70 million.
Mourinho’s insistence on making a new midfield signing is no secret, and with a clear target now in mind, the board could well back him with the player he wishes.
Notably, however, even Chelsea are seriously interested in his signing.
So far, Federico Valverde has been Real Madrid’s mainstay in midfield, and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return will change the team’s dynamics in the department.
Neither player, however, offers the control and distribution skill set that the team direly lack.
A big part of whether or not the club pushes for Zubimendi, however, will depend on how the Valverde-Tchouameni combination plays out in the coming months. It is, after all, the manager’s first-choice combination for big games.
