Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rejected by 13-goal forward in favour of Serie A stay – report
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Real Madrid have faced the rejection of Rafael Leao, who has no intention of moving to Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
Formerly of Sporting CP, Leao has been the darling of the European market this season, following his blistering performances for AC Milan. The forward has racked up 13 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season.
One goal and five assists came in the UEFA Champions League, with Leao playing a crucial role in helping the Rossoneri reach the semifinal of the prestigious competition for the first time in 16 years.
The Portuguese international’s performances have led to links with Real Madrid, who are reportedly interested in the attacker’s services, as part of their plan to reinforce their options in the final third.
However, as per the report, Leao is happy with his life at San Siro and has rejected a move to Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid are not the only club to be rejected by the Portuguese international, as the player has also said no to Chelsea.
The report points out that one of the reasons behind Leao’s rejection was the role offered at the club. He was not on board with the idea of playing second fiddle to Karim Benzema, and wants a prominent role in the team, with AC Milan appearing as the most logical platform.
Shortly after securing a berth in the semifinal, Leao had professed his love for AC Milan. In line with his commitment, the forward has rebuffed major clubs in Europe and looks set to prolong his stay at San Siro.
Leao’s current deal in Milan expires in 2024. The two parties had difficulties reaching an agreement for a renewal, but following the player’s commitment, one would expect the new deal to be just around the corner.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
