Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will move for €50 million Bundesliga forward if mega-money flop leaves
With the arrival of Jude Bellingham all but confirmed, Real Madrid are now expected to move their attention to reinforce other areas of the field and in that regard, the team from the Spanish capital is very much interested in signing Moussa Diaby.
The 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward has been sensational for Bayer Leverkusen this season, having managed 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. Now, Real Madrid are indeed tracking his progress but his acquisition will only be sanctioned in case there is a major departure from the roster.
So as journalist Jose Felix Diaz writes for MARCA, only the exit of someone like Eden Hazard will pave the way for Madrid to go for Diaby.
At the same time, however, signing the 23-year-old is going to be a tricky proposition mostly because in Germany there are talks that an amount close to €50 million has been set as the starting point by Leverkusen.
Real Madrid’s interest in acquiring Diaby comes down to the fact that they do not really have an unassailable presence on the right flank. And with Mariano Diaz’s exit certain coupled with Hazard’s undetermined future, it is only natural for the team to look for reinforcements.
Now, Diaby, who joined Leverkusen from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, has a contract with Leverkusen until 2025 and this is going to be a problem for Real Madrid. Above all, the Merengues are not the only team scouting the youngster, with Arsenal and Manchester United also reported to be involved in the chase.
This situation is likely to culminate in a bidding war and judging by the Premier League sides’ financial muscle, they are very much capable of giving Real Madrid a run for their money. However, one must not forget the lure of playing for the record European champions as well.
For the moment, everything depends on what happens with Hazard, as if the 32-year-old moves, Madrid will look for alternatives in the market and Diaby will be given the preference.
The cloud of uncertainty over Karim Benzema’s future has served as a major headache for the Real Madrid board, as they kickstart their team planning ahead of the new season.
Recent reports claim the Frenchman is strongly considering a move to Saudi Arabia, after receiving a lucrative €150 million offer from Al Ittihad. He was close to renewing his contract at Santiago Bernabeu not too long ago, but it appears the tables have turned lately.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid are yet to give up on Benzema and still harbour hopes of renewing his contract in the coming weeks, reports Alfredo Matilla.
The Spanish journalist suggests Real Madrid have not closed the file on Benzema. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has recently met the forward to clarify his future and it appears the club are set to do everything they can to keep hold of the player.
Benzema’s departure, after all, could put the club in a major dilemma, where they must either sign a top-class striker or settle for a low-cost alternative for the entirety of next season.
Harry Kane has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Benzema. But his acquisition could potentially jeopardise Real Madrid’s bid to sign either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in 2024. The club have also faced difficulties negotiating with Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman.
As far as the low-cost options are concerned, Real Madrid are interested in Roberto Firmino, who will become a free agent in the summer.
However, the Brazilian international is not the most productive striker around and his struggles in front of goal could put more pressure on players like Vinicius Junior next season.
Real Madrid, therefore, will hope to keep hold of Benzema’s services for another year. Unfortunately, though, the player has given a cold response so far and left training early, without speaking too much.
So it will be interesting to see whether or not the veteran striker opts to remain at Bernabeu for another year.
