Real Madrid News
Real Madrid told to pay €30-40 million to sign Barcelona right-back target
According to reports from Florian Plettenberg, Benjamin Pavard will be allowed to leave Bayern Munich this summer. The Germans expect a fee of around €30-40 million for the French international, and Real Madrid are amongst the clubs interested in his signing.
The club, however, face stiff competition in his pursuit given that Barcelona, Manchester City and Manchester United are all following his situation closely. The race for Pavard could well lead to the next wild-goose chase of the summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old is highly sought after for his versatility, as he can perform both at centre-back and as a right-back based on the team’s requirements. His primary role at Bayern Munich, however, has been as a full-back.
The Merengues boast an elite setup in central defence with Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba competing for two starting positions. Their sudden movements at the right-back position, however, could push them to sign Pavard.
Earlier today, reports of Juventus’ interest in Lucas Vazquez emerged, and with contacts between the two parties already underway, the Spaniard could well be on his way to Italy. In such a situation, Dani Carvajal would remain the team’s only natural right-back.
Pavard’s arrival would set the equation straight once again. Not only will the Frenchman serve as an immediate backup for the Real Madrid veteran, but also as a long-term replacement given that he is just 27 years old.
It remains to be seen if Florentino Perez is willing to shell out €40 million for the Bayern Munich star this summer. After all, the club have economically draining investments planned for Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
There is, however a glimmer of hope. Pavard’s contract with the Germans runs out next summer, and with just a year to go on his deal, there will be room to negotiate.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
