Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Nabil Fekir, who is being considered as a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, Nabil Fekir is the subject of interest from Real Madrid, who are set to pursue the Frenchman in the summer transfer window. Los Blancos are eyeing the Lyon captain as a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
Fekir has bounced back to his best after missing a complete season due to a gruesome injury. Back to being one of the most pivotal figures for Lyon, the player has even been entrusted with the captaincy of the club, and the added responsibility seems to have brought out the best in him.
Fekir has been prolific in front of goal this season, having found the back of the net 21 times in addition to providing six assists as well. Such numbers rarely go unnoticed, and Fekir is starting to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world, the latest being Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have had 15 different goalscorers this season, but only Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to be consistent among them, having found the back of the net 40 times this season. Gareth Bale is second behind the Portuguese goal machine, with 13 goals, and no other player has more than 10.
The fact that a player who hasn’t even been a regular for Real Madrid this season is the second highest scorer for Los Blancos speaks volumes about the problem at hand for Zinedine Zidane, who needs more contribution from the other attacking players at his disposal.
Fekir, who has been a prolific in front of goal throughout his senior career with Lyon is, thus, a viable target. The Frenchman, who can be a consistent contributor in the short-term to ease the pressure off Ronaldo, is also being eyed as the Portuguese hitman’s long-term replacement, to become the leader of the Real Madrid attack.
In addition to his prowess in front of goal, Fekir’s creative abilities is one trait that often goes unnoticed, but not at Real Madrid. His ability to play in midfield also makes him a potential replacement for Toni Kroos, who is being heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu as part of Zidane’s summer squad overhaul.
Either way, Fekir is a player who will be a welcome addition to Zidane’s squad at Santiago Bernabeu. As per his agent, the 24-year-old could depart from Lyon in the summer, possibly providing Real Madrid a spring in their step, although they should move quickly so as to avoid competition in his pursuit.
