Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Domenico Berardi, with their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe destined to be aborted.
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Real Madrid have identified Domenico Berardi as a possible target if they fail to land Kylian Mbappe in the summer. Los Blancos are considering the Sassuolo forward as a potential replacement for Alvaro Morata.
Berardi is a pearl of the latest generation of promising talents that have emerged in Italy in the recent years. The 22-year-old progressed through the ranks at Sassuolo before making the senior grade in 2012 at the nascent age of 18.
Since then, the player’s career has progressed leaps and bounds, with many regarding him as the future of Italian football. Indeed, Berardi boasts an incredible record for the Neroverdi, with 59 goals and 43 assists in 159 appearances for the senior side.
2016/17 was a stop-start season for Berardi, though, as an injury to the knee restricted him to just 25 appearances in all competitions. Nevertheless, the player continued his impressive progress, bagging 10 goals and 11 assists before playing a key role for his country at the Under-21 European championship.
As Berardi continues to emerge as one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe, interest in him is starting to mount. And one of the biggest clubs in Europe, Real Madrid, are set to launch the offensive to sign the youngster this summer.
Los Blancos are in need of attacking reinforcements this summer following the departure of Alvaro Morata to Chelsea last week. With the Spaniard calling time on his Real Madrid career for a second time, Zinedine Zidane has Karim Benzema as his only recognised option up front.
With the inexperienced Borja Mayoral likely to be sent out on loan, the Frenchman is eager to sign an attacking player this summer. Zidane’s primary target is reportedly Kylian Mbappe. But, AS Monaco are standing firm in their bid to retain their prized asset.
As a result, Real Madrid are being forced to look elsewhere for alternative targets, which has led them to Sassuolo’s doors. The Spanish and European champions now look set to make a move for Berardi, whose record is very promising indeed.
And although the player primarily plays on the wings, his addition could pave the way for Cristiano Ronaldo to play more centrally. Additionally, at 22, the Italian forward can potentially be a long-term solution for Real Madrid.
It now remains to be seen if Los Blancos indeed go on to make a formal offer to secure the player’s services or if they manage to succeed in their pursuit of Mbappe.
