Real Madrid News
Real Madrid wanted 23-goal forward to bolster attack, but lost out to Chelsea
Earlier today, Chelsea officially announced the signing of French forward Christopher Nkunku from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig. The Blues triggered his release clause believed to be worth around £52 million several months ago and finally confirmed his arrival today.
Nkunku enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 campaign in the Bundesliga, bagging 23 goals and finishing as the top scorer in the German top flight.
Naturally, the 25-year-old had been attracting a lot of admirers, including Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid, reports Jorge C Picon.
Indeed, Nkunku was one of the most liked options at the Santiago Bernabeu to reinforce their frontline heading into the 2023/24 campaign.
However, the Merengues were late to arrive at the table as Chelsea were quicker than them and moved to close the French international’s signing early in the year, before announcing the deal earlier today.
Given his ability to play anywhere across the frontline and the numbers he has produced in recent seasons, Nkunku would have been a great addition to the Real Madrid attacking unit that has suffered losses this summer with Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio departing.
However, Los Blancos never had a chance of signing the 25-year-old as Chelsea were quick to seal the deal.
Instead, Real Madrid have roped in Joselu from RCD Espanyol to reinforce the centre-forward slot, while they have also brought Brahim Diaz back to the club after a three-year loan stint at AC Milan.
The Merengues continue to monitor the situation of PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe and could make a move for him provided he decides to leave the French capital club this year itself.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back never considered summer exit, would retire at club if given chance
Ferland Mendy finds himself in a difficult situation at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness woes for a large part of the past year, leading to doubts over his future at the club.
In fact, it had been reported that Los Blancos were considering selling Mendy during the summer transfer window earlier this year itself.
But, such a move did not materialise and the 28-year-old has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu although reports suggest that he is likely to be on the move next year.
Mendy would retire at Real Madrid if he could
Despite there having been numerous reports about his future in the summer, The Athletic reports that Mendy did not consider the possibility of an exit at any point.
In fact, the report adds that if given a chance, the 28-year-old defender would retire at Real Madrid.
Mendy’s contract with Los Merengues expires in 2025 and he is understood to be seeking a renewal for a while now, but there has been no move made by the club.
The injuries that the 28-year-old has picked up are understood to be a major deterrent for Real Madrid, which is why they are already looking to reinforce the left-back position with Alphonso Davies next year.
Mendy enjoys Ancelotti’s trust
Despite the non-stop speculations surrounding him, Mendy continues to enjoy the full trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Indeed, as per the report, the Italian tactician has informed the Frenchman that he is the left-back that best fits the defensive requirements needed in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision to bench Fran Garcia in the UEFA Champions League game even though Mendy was unavailable and start David Alaba at left-back was taken as an indicator within the dressing room that the Frenchman remains the first-choice in the position.
So, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the coming months, especially with Ancelotti’s future also uncertain as his contract expires in 2024.
