Real Madrid are reportedly vying with Barcelona to sign 24-year-old Spanish international Mikel Oyarzabal, who is valued at €70 million by Real Sociedad.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Barcelona will be battling bitter rivals Real Madrid to secure the services of Mikel Oyarzabal. The 24-year-old Spanish international is valued at around €70 million by Real Sociedad and has been advised by Luis Enrique to join Barcelona.
Mikel Oyarzabal has come a long way since making his first-team debut for Real Sociedad aged just 18. Over the last half a decade or so, the player has blossomed into one of the best wide attackers in La Liga all while establishing himself as a pivotal player for La Real.
Now one of the leaders for Real Sociedad, the 24-year-old has started the 2021/22 campaign on a strong note, raking in six goals and an assist in eight La Liga appearances so far. At the same time, he continues to establish himself as an increasingly important figure for Spain. His exploits are also being duly noted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Barcelona hold a long-standing interest in Oyarzabal, having also attempted to land him in the summer transfer window. The Blaugrana, though, remain in the hunt for the Real Sociedad ace, as they look to continue reshaping their squad following the departures of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.
Attack, in particular, is in serious need of reinforcements, with Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati not having enough support from those out in front. Oyarzabal, to that end, is a viable target for Barcelona, especially considering he has the ability to play through the middle. However, the Blaugrana will be facing stiff competition from bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have also followed Oyarzabal for quite some time now and could well make their move for him soon amid the continued struggles of Eden Hazard. With Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale also facing uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu, bringing in the 24-year-old could be a move in the right direction for Real Madrid, who are also interested in Riyad Mahrez.
However, Oyarzabal will not come cheap, seeing as he is valued at €70 million by Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Spain boss Luis Enrique has advised the Real Sociedad attacker to choose Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid, although it is unclear whether the Catalan giants will be able to afford his €70 million valuation.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, could well manage to muster up the required funds to land the Spanish international, although they have had some troubles on the financial front as well. All things considered, an interesting battle seems to be stemming between the two most recognisable clubs in the world for Oyarzabal.
