Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will only pursue in-demand 20-year-old defender if ‘the price is right’
Following the conclusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Real Madrid are gearing up for season restart as they take on Real Valladolid at the end of the month. The club are also keeping one eye on the upcoming January transfer window.
Although the Whites are not expected to do much business during the winter market, there are a few players they are keeping a close eye on, especially knowing that the club may have to undergo a major overhaul during the summer of 2023.
According to Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Josko Gvardiol, in particular. The Croatian international currently plies his trade for RB Leipzig and is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga.
Gvardiol was, in fact, one of the best defenders in the World Cup, excelling in the centre-back position for Croatia. His solidity at the back played a key role in helping the Croats finish third in the competition.
Gvardiol’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs interested in his services. The reigning European champions consider the Croat as an ideal future investment in defence, especially amid speculation over the future of Nacho Fernandez.
The veteran centre-back may consider an exit from Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season, as he is reportedly unhappy over his lack of game-time in the first-team.
Nacho’s departure could accentuate the need for someone like Gvardiol, who can operate not only as a centre-back but also as a left-back. It could come in quite handy for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has had only one recognised option at left-back in the form of Ferland Mendy.
However, Romano suggests that Real Madrid are only expected to go after Gvardiol if the price is right. This is because RB Leipzig have appeared quite reluctant in offloading their defensive superstar, who still has a contract until 2027.
Earlier this week, reports emerged claiming that Atletico Madrid had made an approach to Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, who will become a free agent in the summer.
It was claimed that the Rojiblancos were keen on signing the Spanish international and it was their second approach in recent times as they hoped to convince him to swap sides.
But, as per a fresh report from MARCA, Atletico Madrid have no intentions of signing Ceballos in the summer transfer window.
The report states that the 26-year-old’s profile is not something that appeals to Atletico Madrid, who are looking at a player like Sofyan Amrabat, in case they do wish to reinforce their midfield department.
Indeed, the report suggests that Diego Simeone is very happy with his set of midfielders as he has Koke, Marcos Llorente, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Pablo Barrios, Thomas Lemar, Rodrigo De Paul and Axel Witsel.
So, as things stand, Atletico Madrid are not looking to sign Ceballos. As for the midfielder, he is said to have offers from several important clubs across Europe heading into the summer. But, the Spanish international continues to prioritise staying at Real Madrid.
Ceballos is not seeking a major improvement on his salary either and just wants to be a prominent part of the team at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, that cannot be guaranteed if both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric also renew their contracts, especially with Real Madrid pushing to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
So, an exit could be the most likely outcome for Ceballos, but it seems like he will not be crossing the divide and signing for Atletico Madrid.
