Transfer News: Alvaro Odriozola set to snub Barcelona for Real Madrid

Highly sought-after Real Sociedad star Alvaro Odriozola, who is a prime target for Barcelona, is keen on a summer switch to Real Madrid.

According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Barcelona’s 2018 summer transfer window could turn out similar to their 2017 one, with one of their prime targets favouring a move elsewhere. Real Sociedad star Alvaro Odriozola is keen on a switch to Real Madrid and is ready to snub Barcelona to join Los Blancos.

Alvaro Odriozola has emerged as one of the most enterprising properties for the summer transfer market. The Spaniard was promoted to the senior setup at Real Sociedad in January, 2017 and has since gone on to build a reputation for himself as one of the best right-backs in La Liga.

While the 22-year-old decided to stay put for the 2017-18 campaign, he is unlikely to have been content with a 13th placed finish, which means no Europe for the upcoming season. Odriozola has also been selected by Julen Lopetegui in the final 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

This, combined with the fact that Real Sociedad will not be able to offer European football for the 2017-18 season could see the right-back exit Anoeta. Barcelona and Real Madrid remain keen.

At Barcelona, the right-back slot had become somewhat of a problem after the departure of Dani Alves. But, a season into Nelson Semedo’s Barcelona career – Semedo was a summer arrival in 2017 – Barcelona have failed to find stability in the position, with Ernesto Valverde still favouring Sergi Roberto.

Semedo’s inability to displace Roberto as the first-choice is a worrying sign and Barcelona are reportedly looking to delve into the market for a right-back in the summer. So are Real Madrid, though.

Dani Carvajal is the only genuine option for Zidane going into the next campaign, with Achraf Hakimi only good enough to be a backup. With the Spaniard also facing an uncertain future, Real Madrid are looking to reinforce the said position.

Odriozola would fit right into Real Madrid’s recently established transfer policy of bringing in young stars capable of bossing their respective positions for a decade.

The release clause is set at €40 million, which is more than fair for a 22-year-old Spanish international with four years remaining on his Real Sociedad deal. Barcelona and Real Madrid are unlikely to have a problem with the transfer fee. But, the former are likely to lose out in pursuit of the right-back.

According to the report, Odriozola prefers a move to Real Madrid and will reject Barcelona’s advances in order to secure a summer move to the Bernabeu. Odriozola’s capture would be a huge boost for Real Madrid and their flailing backline whereas Barcelona may have to look at other options, if Odriozola does end up rejecting the recently crowned La Liga champions.