Real Madrid News
Real Madrid in transfer war with Chelsea for 2022 World Cup-winning striker
After bidding one of the best strikers in Real Madrid’s history farewell, the hunt for Karim Benzema’s replacement is well underway at Real Madrid.
Many high-profile names have been suggested to replace the Frenchman, but complications in transfer fees and competitors have made Benzema’s succession plan overly arduous.
Lautaro Martinez is one of the names sought-after by the Los Blancos. The Argentine World Cup winner has showcased fantastic performances with Inter Milan and his national team, even reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
However, despite finances favouring Madrid at the moment, owing to an influx of departures, acquiring the striker is not as straightforward as it would seem.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Martinez is not just being considered by Real Madrid for the upcoming season as the player is also desired by Chelsea.
Mauricio Pochettino, the new head coach of the London club, has specifically requested reinforcements in the frontline.
Chelsea are going through a significant restructure, and several players will depart the team. Taking this into context, Pochettino has informed the English club’s executives that Martinez, a player he has long admired, is the striker he prefers to strengthen the team’s leadership.
Considering the financial muscle of Chelsea, having been taken over by Todd Boehly, they are prepared to offer a high fee for the Inter star. Such fierce competition from a well-established institution is likely to deter Madrid from acquiring the player.
While the Merengues have kept many options on the table, a list that appears to be led by Harry Kane, there are difficulties in acquiring the Spurs talisman’s signature as he is keen on breaking the all-time goalscoring record in the Premier League.
In addition, Daniel Levy’s reputation as a tough negotiator and the high price set on Kane could ward off Real Madrid from making a move for their ultimate priority.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
Pat Grey
June 11, 2023 at 7:23 am
As a longstanding fan of my beloved Real Madrid, I’m urging the club NOT to hire Martinez of Inter. As any keen footballer would tell you about the uninspiring performance in the final championship game at Instabul on Saturday, he is far from being a quality player. He was a major drag on Inter, and woefully messed up several opportunities to help his team, including an incredible face-to-face chance of beating Man City’s goal keeper to level the 1-0 goal deficit Inter was struggling under. Any smart and composed striker could have easily either scored himself or cleverly passed on the ball to Lukaku who was well positioned to score. I was left wondering why the coach didn’t substitute him even as he consistently performed dismally on the pitch. If RM is serious about strengthening its attacking line for next season, Martinez should not be a priority consideration. Sadio Mane will be preferable at this time.