Real Madrid News
Report: Real Madrid see €80m-rated Inter ace as ideal midfield reinforcement
Real Madrid’s search for a midfielder who can control the pace has led them to Italy, with Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella emerging as a top target, claims a report from Fichajes.
The outlet mentions that the Italian international has become an ‘obsession for the Real Madrid management’, who are keen on adding a player with dynamism, technical capability, and leadership traits to their already talented squad.
It must be noted that Barella has been a key player for Inter Milan during the last few seasons. His extraordinary potential to cover ground, creativity and intensity off the ball has made him one of the best midfielders on the continent.
Interestingly, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is seeking to rope in such qualities to the midfield, mainly as the team prepare for several tactical changes in the upcoming transfer window..
Difficult to get him out of Inter
For what it is worth, Inter have made it clear that they are not interested in parting ways with their superstar player without a significant offer.
In fact, the Italian club has set a price tag of around €80 million for Barella, an enormous amount, however, one that Real Madrid can manage.
After a few cautious transfer windows, the club is now in a position to make more significant signings.
However, much will depend on the player’s own desires. While Barella has a strong emotional connection to Inter, the possibility of joining one of the world’s most prestigious clubs could prove to be an enticing proposition.
In Italy, there may be a growing sense that talks could take place in the coming weeks, specifically if Inter wish to generate funds for reinforcements in different areas of their squad.
In Madrid, the idea of bringing Barella to the Bernabeu is producing excitement, as they see him as the perfect addition to a midfield that will blend youth and experience, setting the stage for continued dominance in European football.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
