Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Steven Nzonzi as a possible replacement for Luka Modric, who faces an uncertain future at the Bernabeu
According to a report by Spanish outlet Don Balon, Florentino Perez has started laying down the contingency plan if Luka Modric ends up leaving Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. Steven Nzonzi has emerged as a possible target for Los Blancos, with the Frenchman looking set to depart from Sevilla.
Nzonzi has been a revelation in La Liga, ever since he joined Sevilla from Stoke City in a low-money move in the summer of 2015. Over the last three seasons, the Frenchman has been one of the most important players for Los Nervionenses, which has led to widespread rumours of a possible move up the ladder to a bigger club.
So far, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a summer move for the 29-year-old, but with reports of the player handing a transfer request, several other suitors seem to be emerging in his pursuit. Real Madrid are the latest club to be linked with Nzonzi, with Florentino Perez eyeing him as a replacement for Luka Modric.
The European champions are set for a squad overhaul this summer as they look to kick off the Julen Lopetegui era with a bang. The likes of Toni Kroos, Marco Asensio and Mateo Kovacic are all facing an uncertain Real Madrid future, but Luka Modric seems to be the first player who could be on his way out of the Bernabeu this summer.
Modric’s departure would leave a creative void at Real Madrid, and a move for Nzonzi does make some sense. While the Frenchman is primarily a defensive midfielder, he has showcased his creative abilities from a deep lying position for Sevilla over the last three seasons.
Furthermore, his arrival would also ease off some of the defensive burden on Casemiro, potentially making the Real Madrid midfield a formidable quantity to deal with. For their part, Sevilla also seem to be preparing for the player’s departure, with Real Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente coincidentally being linked with the Andalusian club.
Modric appears highly likely to leave Real Madrid this summer, and Nzonzi looks primed to be the player to replace him. With a €40 million release clause in his contract, Los Blancos just need to convince the Frenchman of their project, and we could well see him make his way to the Bernabeu.
Any possible move though, will only be possible until after France’s World Cup campaign, even though Nzonzi is only a backup for Didier Deschamps. If Arsenal still retain their interest till then, Real Madrid can more than give the Gunners a run for their money, with Champions League football on offer as well.
