Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing OGC Nice forward Amine Gouiri, who is being dubbed as the ‘new Karim Benzema’.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on OGC Nice striker Amine Gouiri as they look to bolster their centre-forward department after missing out on the signing of Erling Haaland.
Gouiri came through the ranks at Olympique Lyon and made just 15 senior appearances before joining Nice in the summer of 2020. The 22-year-old has taken his game up a notch since making the switch, racking up a return of 28 goals and 17 assists in 82 matches so far.
Gouiri has enjoyed a decent 2021/22 season for Nice, bagging 12 goals and nine assists from 41 matches across all competitions. The forward is held in the highest regard in France and has been called the ‘new Karim Benzema’, with the youngster touted to be the natural heir to the Real Madrid striker in the French national team.
Gouiri’s progress at Nice has not gone unnoticed as Real Madrid have taken an interest in the French Under-21 international. Los Blancos have a top attacking unit led by Benzema, who is enjoying a superlative campaign. However, as far as backup options for the veteran striker go, the Spanish champions can be found wanting.
Both Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz have not been good enough when given an opportunity and are likely to leave at the end of the season. Real Madrid had plans to bring in Erling Haaland and groom him to take over from Benzema over the next couple of years, but the Norwegian will be signing for Manchester City.
The report states that Real Madrid revisit their interest in Haaland two years down the line when Benzema would be in the final phase of his career. But until then, they want to bring in an able backup option to support the French international. Several names like Raul De Tomas and Borja Mayoral, among others, have been considered, with Gouiri also emerging as an option.
However, as per the report, Nice will not let their prized asset leave without a fight. The Ligue 1 club could demand a transfer fee of €50-60 million for Gouiri, considering his age and potential. Whether Real Madrid are willing to shell out that sum for the 22-year-old in the summer remains to be seen.
