Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up the possibility of signing Denis Zakaria in the January transfer window to beat Barcelona to his services.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Real Madrid are considering a January move for Denis Zakaria. The 25-year-old midfielder is in talks to join Barcelona as a free agent in next summer’s transfer window, but Los Blancos could play spoilsport, with Borussia Monchengladbach demanding €27 million for him.
Denis Zakaria joined Borussia Monchengladbach from BSC Young Boys in July 2017 and has since established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga. A regular feature for club and country, the Swiss international has done well to bounce back after a gruesome knee injury and has been in fine touch this season.
In 11 appearances across all competitions, the 25-year-old has chipped in with two goals and one assist to show for his efforts. However, Gladbach are in a precarious position over his long-term future, seeing as he has entered the final year of his contract with the club. Such a situation has alerted Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The interest from Barcelona is understandable, considering Sergio Busquets is in the final phase of his career. With the Catalan giants bereft of experienced midfielders in their squad apart from Busquets and Frenkie de Jong, signing a player like Zakaria, especially on a free transfer, would be a step in the right direction.
On the other hand, the lack of an able backup for Casemiro could be prompting Real Madrid to eye a move for Zakaria. In addition, the Brazilian international has been linked with several clubs of late, with Paris Saint-Germain among his suitors. So, Zakaria is a viable target for Los Blancos, who are now looking to sign him in the January transfer window.
The Spanish giants are hoping to steal a march on Barcelona in pursuit of Zakaria, with a possible €27 million bid in the works. The price tag mentioned is being demanded by Gladbach to part with the 25-year-old this winter. And while Real Madrid can afford such a sum, the Blaugrana could struggle to meet his valuation.
However, it has recently been claimed that Zakaria prefers a move to Barcelona over Real Madrid. So, it will be interesting to see if he is ready to stay put at Gladbach for the remainder of the season before joining the Catalan heavyweights on a Bosman move in the summer. However, if Real Madrid can produce a €27 million bid, the tide could turn their way.
