With the summer window starting to gather pace, The Hard Tackle takes a look at some of the transfer stories surrounding La Liga giants Real Madrid.
The ongoing summer transfer window is one of the most crucial ones in the recent history of Real Madrid. Following the stepping down of Zinedine Zidane at the end of the last season, Carlo Ancelotti is back in the hot-seat at the Santiago Bernabeu hoping to bounce back after a rare trophyless campaign for Los Blancos.
While Real Madrid have already made one signing in the form of David Alaba on a free transfer, plenty of work remains to be done. Sergio Ramos is no longer at the club while his long-time defensive partner, Raphael Varane, is headed for the exit doors as well and replacements need to be secured for the duo.
Luka Modric is not getting any younger and will need to be eventually replaced, the same holding true for Karim Benzema as well. There is the matter of adding another goalscorer to the ranks as well, considering how over-reliant the Merengues have been on their French superstar over the past couple of campaigns. So, without much ado, let’s dive into the latest transfer stories surrounding Real Madrid as they gear up for a busy summer.
Real Madrid lining up Nicolo Barella move
As iterated above, a new central midfielder has to be a top priority for Real Madrid this summer as a succession plan needs to be laid out for Modric. And, it seems like manager Carlo Ancelotti favours a move for compatriot Nicolo Barella, who has been one of Inter Milan’s best players over the past couple of seasons.
Indeed, Defensa Central reports that Don Carlo is a huge admirer of the 24-year-old, who was in fine form for Italy against Belgium in the UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-final this past week. With the manager keen on working with Barella, and Inter mired in financial difficulties due to the pandemic, Real Madrid may look to take advantage of the situation and make a swoop for the midfielder this summer.
AC Milan in talks to sign Dani Ceballos
Moving on from one potential incoming in midfield to a case of departure, Dani Ceballos is a subject of interest from AC Milan, who are in talks with Real Madrid over a move for the Spaniard, reports Corriere dello Sport. The 24-year-old has recently returned to the Spanish capital after an underwhelming loan spell at Arsenal and does not feature in the plans of the manager moving forward.
Milan, though, are intent on signing Ceballos as they look to bolster their midfield department and are in talks to try and include Ceballos as part of the deal that will see them bring Brahim Diaz back to the club. The report, however, does add that the Rossoneri are keeping their options open, with Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig captain Marcel Sabitzer also under consideration apart from Ceballos.
Real Madrid cede pursuit of Leonardo Spinazzola
Another story revolving around Real Madrid and Serie A, Defensa Central claims that the Spanish capital outfit have decided to end their pursuit of AS Roma’s Italian defender Leonardo Spinazzola. The 28-year-old left-back had emerged as a potential transfer target for Los Blancos after a series of stunning displays at the UEFA Euro 2020 with the Italian national team.
However, this past weekend, Spinazzola picked up a serious injury, rupturing his Achilles tendon in the win over Belgium, which has now ruled him out of action for a period of six months. With that, Real Madrid have also decided to cool their interest in the left-back, a position they are well-stocked in, with Ferland Mendy, Marcelo and youngster Miguel Gutierrez, although that may be subject to change…
Jose Mourinho eyes Marcelo reunion at AS Roma
The injury to Spinazzola might have an effect on Real Madrid beyond them ending their pursuit of the Italian as Defensa Central reports that AS Roma’s newly-appointed manager, Jose Mourinho, has locked in on Marcelo as one of the options to fill in for the 28-year-old following the unfortunate incident at the Euros.
Indeed, the report further claims that the former Real Madrid manager has personally contacted the Brazilian to convince him to make the switch to Stadio Olimpico. However, his overtures have been met with a firm rejection by Marcelo, who is intent on staying at Real Madrid and seeing out his contract, especially after he has inherited the club captaincy following the departure of Sergio Ramos.
Real Madrid receive boost in Eduardo Camavinga pursuit
Rounding things off with yet another story from Defensa Central, who claim that Real Madrid may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of French wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga. The teenage midfielder’s agent, Jonathan Barnett has reportedly informed Los Blancos that his client will not be renewing his contract with Ligue 1 club Rennes, opening the door for a summer move as the youngster enters the final year of his contract.
However, whether Real Madrid decide to act on this development is a different matter, altogether. While they have been heavily linked with Camavinga in the past, the Merengues seem to have cooled down on their interest in the Frenchman due to the emergence of Antonio Blanco, who put in some eye-catching displays towards the end of the last season. So, it remains to be seen if Ancelotti & co. move for Camavinga or put faith in the academy product.
