Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield target showers praise on Karim Benzema and Luka Modric
Karim Benzema’s consistent breathtaking performances have attracted a lot of (overdue) recognition in recent weeks.
The Frenchman has been, almost singlehandedly, carrying Real Madrid’s attack through thick and thin, and pundits from across the world have come out to call him the best player in the world.
Real Madrid target Aurelien Tchouameni was asked to give his thoughts on Benzema’s performance, and the youngster did not hold back.
The Ligue 1 midfielder said the quality he admired the most was his longevity, and also referred to another Real Madrid player as an example.
“Benzema? What strikes me in these kinds of players is their longevity at the highest level! It’s not a given for everyone to perform so much at that age, like Benzema or Modric does, still delivering great performances in the CL,” he said (h/t TheMadridZone).
The defensive midfielder has been immense for AS Monaco this season and is a key part of the team’s top four pursuit. He has started 27 league games for the French side, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Real Madrid see the youngster as a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who is now in the twilight of his career. They are ahead of PSG and Chelsea in the pursuit for the 22-year-old and are closer than ever before.
Monaco value their player at upwards of €50 million and will not make his transfer easy at any cost. However, his contract with the French club only runs until 2024, putting pressure on the club to accept lower offers.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
