Real Madrid News
Real Madrid waiting for Chelsea to reduce €60 million forward’s price – report
The first 72 hours after the announcement of Karim Benzema’s departure were chaotic in Madrid. The offices at Santiago Bernabeu were pressed to work around the clock as they attempted to find a new striker who could replace the Ballon d’Or winner.
Just over a week later, the situation is drastically different. The topic of Real Madrid’s hunt for a new forward mysteriously appears to have gone under the radar.
Earlier today, Fabrizio Romano, via Amp, released information regarding one of Los Blancos‘ speculated targets, Kai Havertz, and an update on the negotiations.
The Italian journalist states that Real Madrid are still interested in the young German. However, they stand firm on their valuation of the player and are unwilling to pay the money that Chelsea demand.
The London-based side are said to expect €60 million, exclusive of bonuses for their attacking star, but Florentino Perez disagrees with the valuation.
Nevertheless, the possibility of the move materialising should not be discarded, and there is still time in the window for Chelsea to rethink their approach.
The Blues are under pressure to sell big this summer after their spending spree last year. Given their need to generate revenue from player sales, it is possible that they come down on their valuation of the star.
Havertz would add a new dimension to the Real Madrid attack with his unique profile. Yet, he is far from the central striker that Los Blancos direly require.
Florentino Perez also wishes to err on the side of caution this summer and spend judiciously. After all, it is his dream to bring Kylian Mbappe to the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
Keeping all the restrictions in mind, it is unlikely for Real Madrid to spend another chunk of their allowance on an attacking midfielder. After all, there are positions in direr need of reinforcement.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rising star suffered against Atletico due to veteran forward’s absence, says Simeone
Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was not the first time were in trouble this season. In fact, the Merengues have gone behind early in almost every league game so far.
However, the difference on Sunday night was that they never really mounted a comeback. More importantly, Jude Bellingham did not come good, for the first time.
Simeone unravels the mystery
A jubilant Diego Simeone spoke to the media after his side downed Real Madrid by three goals to one and spoke about a plethora of topics.
Interestingly, he commented specifically on why Bellingham did not have an impact at Civitas Metropolitano, citing the absence of Joselu as a key factor.
“No, the spaces were reduced and I think that Joselu’s lack of presence left him with fewer chances to get there, when he takes advantage of Joselu’s aerial play. We controlled him better, he’s extraordinary,” he said, as quoted by AS.
He even called out the refereeing on the night and insisted that the Real Madrid star-boy should have seen red for his late tackle on Angel Correa, saying:
“It looked like a sending-off to me live, it was a hard leg up, with Angelito hitting the ball.”
Ironically, he defended his defender Jose Maria Gimenez for an equally threatening tackle on the night.
“A bad foul, it’s a yellow card because it goes sideways. Bellingham goes from the front and I think it’s a bit more,” he stated paradoxically.
No time to lament
The game at Civitas Metropolitano may not have gone Real Madrid’s way. Yet, it is good for the Merengues to taste defeat early and see the gaping holes in their dynamic.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his press conference that he bore the lion’s share of the fault for Sunday’s loss and that he would have done things differently if given the chance.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos have a hectic schedule ahead with two games in the next five days and a UCL fixture against Napoli next week. With Vinicius Jr back, one hopes they find their mojo once again.
