Real Madrid News
Real Madrid monitoring 18-year-old Brazilian attacking midfield prodigy – report
Real Madrid have made it a habit of scouting special talents in Brazil in recent times. The Merengues recently acquired the services of Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick, who will join the club in the summer of 2024, once he turns 18.
On top of that, Los Blancos have also been credited with interest in Brazilian defender Robert Renan, who recently moved to Zenit St. Petersburg from Corinthians.
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid are also monitoring Flamengo attacking midfielder Matheus Franca.
The 18-year-old prospect had been linked with a move to Newcastle United recently, with the Brazilian club even rejecting an offer for him.
Following that, Flamengo tied Franca down to a new contract earlier today. The deal is valid until the summer of 2027 and consists of a massive release clause worth €200 million.
While the Brazilian club might have been able to keep Newcastle away for the time being, the teenage sensation is still said to be attracting plenty of interest, with Real Madrid among the clubs monitoring him.
Franca has made 33 first-team appearances for Flamengo since making his debut in April last year. He has netted seven goals in that time, with one of those coming in the new season in 2023.
A talented young attacking midfielder, the 18-year-old is tipped for a bright future in the game. And a move to Europe might not be far away for the Flamengo sensation. Whether Real Madrid consider making a swoop for him will be interesting to see.
According to AS, Atletico Madrid have made the first approach for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, who has also been linked heavily with a move to Real Madrid and Arsenal.
The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects in Spanish football this season, having already netted nine goals in La Liga.
It has alerted a series of top-level clubs, with the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid all being linked with the youngster, who has a €40 million release clause in his contract with Celta.
Real Madrid are in the market for midfield reinforcements and have identified Jude Bellingham as their top target, but Veiga is also said to be on the agenda at the Santiago Bernabeu
However, recently, the Galician club’s president confirmed that there had been contact from clubs in England, but stated that Real Madrid had made no approach.
On top of that, a report from MARCA quoted a club source saying that they were not contemplating signing the 20-year-old.
Amidst this, it has now emerged that Atletico Madrid have made an approach towards signing Veiga from Celta Vigo in the summer transfer window.
The Rojiblancos are also in the market for new midfielders amid question marks over the futures of Saul Niguez and Geoffrey Kondogbia.
While Diego Simeone’s side have taken a first step, the report indicates that Veiga, in case of the absence of interest from Real Madrid, would prefer to join Arsenal.
So, the Colchoneros will need to put in efforts to convince the 20-year-old to choose them over a move to the Premier League club come summer if they are serious about adding the talented youngster to their roster for next season.
