Real Madrid News
Real Madrid looking at two top strikers as potential options for the summer
As we close in on the business end of the season, it is starting to become abundantly clear that Real Madrid missed a trick by not signing a new striker in the last two transfer windows.
Karim Benzema’s fitness woes have shown no signs of slowing down, but the Frenchman continues to play, as was the case in Sunday’s El Clasico, as manager Carlo Ancelotti simply does not have another option of the same level and quality at his disposal.
So, it goes without saying that Los Blancos must sign a new No. 9 next summer. They have secured Endrick’s services, but he will only arrive in 2024, after he turns 18. Alvaro Rodriguez will be a first-team member next term as confirmed by Ancelotti himself, but is still too green.
Real Madrid have Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland on their agenda, but they will be unable to sign either of them until 2024. Hence, according to AS, the current champions of Spain and Europe are looking at possible options for the summer of this year.
One option is to look for an experienced striker who can be a stop-gap until 2024, like Real Madrid did in the past with players like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez.
The other option would be to go for a top striker right away, and in that regard, two names are being considered at the club currently – Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus and Harry Kane of Tottenham.
Vlahovic has not had the most prolific of seasons at Juventus, but the 23-year-old’s potential is not in doubt. With the Bianconeri facing financial troubles and sanctions from court, a sale could be on the cards, although he would likely cost around €100-120 million.
The report states that Juventus were working to sell him to a Premier League club in January for the aforementioned price, but his agent ended up stopping the move. It has since been reported that he has been offered to Real Madrid.
As for Kane, he is entering the final year of his contract with Tottenham, who will still demand £100 million for the England captain. The 29-year-old is a proven goalscorer with a prolific record and is seen as a good fit at Real Madrid.
But Kane’s signing would be difficult as he would unlikely be willing to share game-time with Karim Benzema, who is set to renew for one more year. Furthermore, the Tottenham man harbours dreams of becoming the Premier League’s all-time top scorer which might compel him to stay in England.
Vlahovic, thus, might be a more viable option as, at 23, he might be open to sharing the spotlight with Benzema next year before eventually taking over from him.
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.
