Transfer Rumour: Real Madrid plotting January move for Nicolas Otamendi

Real Madrid have set their sights on Nicolas Otamendi, and are set to make a move for the Manchester City defender in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, Real Madrid are prioritising the addition of a defender in the winter transfer window. With Zinedine Zidane’s centre-backs struggling for consistency, Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi has become the subject of interest for Los Blancos, with a January move in the offing.

Otamendi has finally found stability at Manchester City, two years after making the switch from Valencia. The player has, in fact, become a key figure for the Citizens this season, having been a constant presence at the back even as his partners have kept on changing due to injuries.

Otamendi has made consistent improvements as the season has worn on, playing a major role in City boasting the best defensive record in the Premier League. The Argentina international has also been a healthy contributor to his team’s cause, with five goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.

Having improved leaps and bounds under Pep Guardiola, Otamendi is now starting to attract interest from one of the best clubs in the world. Real Madrid are keen on signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window, and have set their sights on the Manchester City man.

Los Blancos have cut a vulnerable look at the back, pretty much all through the season, with sides often exploiting the weaknesses at the heart of defence – as Barcelona showed in El Clasico. Defence has, thus, become a priority for Zinedine Zidane, heading into the winter transfer window.

As far as the heart of defence is concerned, Sergio Ramos has blown hot and cold this season, while Raphael Varane’s constant injury troubles have not helped. The French defender is now seen as someone who is unable to make the grade with his absences every now and then.

Beyond the first-choice duo, Zidane has Jesus Vallejo and the reliable Nacho to choose from, but the two defenders are only seen as backup options for now, which is why the need to sign a centre-back has accentuated.

Real Madrid are clear that an experienced central defender must be added in January, making Otamendi an ideal target. The Argentine already has the experience of playing in La Liga, having been an important player for Valencia before joining Manchester City.

The only bone of contention in his pursuit is that the player will be ineligible to play in the Champions League when the Round of 16 commences in February. In addition to that, it is unclear if Otamendi will be open to a mid-season switch to Real Madrid, even though his agent has made it clear that the player will consider a move to the Bernabeu.

Otamendi is clearly enjoying his football at Etihad currently, and with Manchester City in the race to win the quartet this season, he might not want a move just yet. Pep Guardiola is likely to be unwilling to see him depart as well, and it remains to be seen if Real Madrid are able to sign the 29-year-old in January.