Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a move for 23-year-old Argentine international Lisandro Martinez this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, Real Madrid are making use of Big Data analytics to identify the ideal replacement for Raphael Varane. To that end, the Spanish giants have set their sights on 23-year-old Argentine international Lisandro Martinez over a move in the summer transfer window.
Lisandro Martinez joined Ajax from Argentine club Defensa y Justicia in the summer of 2019 and has since progressed considerably in Amsterdam. To date, the youngster has gone on to amass 83 appearances for the Dutch giants, chipping in with five goals and two assists along the way.
This summer, the 23-year-old was even a part of the victorious Argentina side at the Copa America, although he was not a key member of the setup. Nevertheless, Martinez seems to have made enough of an impression to be pursued by some of the biggest clubs in the world, none more so than Real Madrid.
The Merengues are in a bit of a disarray this summer, owing to some financial worries as well as the fact that they will have to field an all-new first-choice central defensive partnership. Indeed, both long-serving former captain Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane have departed Real Madrid this summer, forcing them to enter the market for a new centre-back.
While this summer’s only arrival so far David Alaba can potentially replace Ramos, the fact that Eder Militao and Nacho are the only other dependable central defenders at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal means another defensive addition is imperative if Real Madrid are to remain competitive in the upcoming campaign, with Jerome Boateng the latest to be linked with Los Blancos.
Now, though, it has emerged that Real Madrid are making use of Big Data analytics to identify the perfect replacement for Varane. To that end, Lisandro Martinez has emerged as an option. The report adds that the 23-year-old has the characteristics of both Ramos and Varane, which makes him an appealing target.
Apart from Martinez, several other options have popped up as well, while Real Madrid are also showing an interest in Nikola Maksimovic, David Luiz and Pau Torres, among others. As for Martinez, the asking price from Ajax is still unknown, and it will be interesting to see how much the Dutch giants charge for the Argentine international if Real Madrid come calling.
