Real Madrid News
Real Madrid utility man attracting interest from 2022/23 Serie A runners-up – report
According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, versatile Real Madrid star Lucas Vazquez has emerged as a transfer target for Serie A heavyweights Lazio this summer.
Vazquez, who celebrated his 32nd birthday earlier this week, is set to begin his ninth season in the Madrid first-team setup heading into the new campaign.
A winger primarily, the Spaniard has successfully transitioned into a right-back in recent seasons, making himself a valuable squad player for Los Blancos.
However, given that there is just a year left on his contract, there have been clubs trying to lure him away from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Juventus, for one, were said to be interested in signing Vazquez in the current transfer window.
And now, the aforementioned report is claiming that their Serie A rivals, Lazio, are also keen on signing Vazquez.
The Biancocelesti enjoyed a fine 2022/23 campaign as they finished second in Serie A last season. And they are hoping to build on it by strengthening the squad further this summer, with Vazquez emerging as an option.
The Italians would be willing to spend €8 million on his signing, but the 32-year-old’s €5 million per year wages could be an issue for the Italians.
However, Vazquez is understood to have already turned down offers to leave Real Madrid this summer and is unlikely to push for an exit.
Given that he is the first backup option at right-back for Dani Carvajal, manager Carlo Ancelotti and the Real Madrid management will be reluctant to sanction an exit as well, especially with there being no plans to sign new full-backs this summer.
Aurelien Tchouameni has had an exciting start to his career at Real Madrid. Since joining the club for almost €80 million last summer, the young Frenchman has now become a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s midfield unit.
However, prior to his move to Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder was closely linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
In a recent interview, Tchouameni opened up on his links to PSG but revealed his decision to join Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni on PSG links
Talking about speculations linking him to PSG, Tchouameni said (h/t Madrid Zone), “PSG? Frankly, I thought about it. It’s a very big European club, we want the French clubs to succeed.”
“But honestly, when Real Madrid calls you, it’s very complicated to say no,” Tchouameni added.
The midfielder was linked with a move to PSG during his time at AS Monaco. Les Parisiens wanted to sign the youngster as part of their plans to reinforce the midfield unit.
Tchouameni, though, ended up opting for a move to Real Madrid, which turned out to be a prudent decision from the midfielder’s end.
Tchouameni’s career at Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni made a total of 50 competitive appearances during his maiden season at Real Madrid.
Although the Frenchman was not entirely a first-team regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup, his stature in the team is expected to grow in the coming years.
Especially as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric move on at the end of the season, there is scope for Tchouameni to become a first-team regular in the Real Madrid midfield in the years to come.
The former AS Monaco starlet has already played a crucial role in the starting eleven so far this season and it is only going to continue as the season progresses.
