Real Madrid News
Real Madrid keen on reinforcing both full-back positions – report
During an interview, journalist Arancha Rodriguez has claimed that Real Madrid are keen on improving their options at both right-back and left-back in the upcoming transfer windows.
As things stand, Los Blancos have Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez as their choices at right-back, with Alvaro Odriozola also available at manager Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal.
On the opposite side, the Italian tactician can call upon Ferland Mendy and David Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez available as a fallback option.
However, Real Madrid are keen on reinforcing both positions due to the fact that there have been injury issues with the full-backs, while they also desire to have a top-class footballer in each slot across the pitch.
Carvajal had endured injury problems in the recent past and is in his thirties. Vazquez too is on the wrong side of thirty and his contract expires in 2024. Meanwhile, Odriozola is out of favour and is likely to be shipped off from the club at the earliest possible opportunity.
Hence, bringing in a gifted young right-back to take over for the future makes sense for Los Blancos. There have been links to several right-backs like Joao Cancelo, Pedro Porro and Malo Gusto, while Castilla loanee Vinicius Tobias is also an option for the future.
As for the left-back slot, there are questions over Mendy’s attacking qualities while contract negotiations with the Frenchman have also stalled due to his wage demands.
Alaba is a proven performer but both the player and the manager prefer him lining up as a centre-back. So, there is room for a new left-sided full-back to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Links to former academy prospects Fran Garcia and Miguel Gutierrez continue to persist and there is a good chance that one of the two might end up returning to the club next summer.
Although Antonio Rudiger has had success since joining Real Madrid last summer, the club are in need of more depth and players that can form the backbone of the defensive unit in the years to come.
As part of their plans, Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Josko Gvardiol in the coming summer, reports 90 Min.
The outlet suggests Gvardiol will be one of the most wanted prospects in the market, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City eyeing a move for the Croatian international come the end of the season.
Formerly of Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol has enjoyed immense success since his move to the Bundesliga in 2021. He has impressed onlookers with his skill, organisation and discipline, which, coupled with his versatility, make him an appealing target for any European giant.
Gvardiol was also one of the top performers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia finish third in the competition. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs who have been keeping an eye on the defender for a while now.
However, signing Gvardiol will be a tricky task for Los Blancos. The player still has a long-term contract at Leipzig and could cost up to €85 million, as reported by 90 Min. Not to mention, the competition from Man City could be significant.
Real Madrid have no shortage of alternatives, though, with the club notably closely monitoring Portuguese defensive whizkid Antonio Silva, among others. So it will be interesting to see how the Spanish giants approach the market in this coming summer.
