Real Madrid and AC Milan are reportedly set to clash against each other for the signing of Brazilian sensation Pedro Guilherme.
As per a report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato), AC Milan are set to offer stiff competition to European champions Real Madrid in the pursuit of Fluminense forward Pedro Guilherme.
Pedro, a product of the Fluminense academy, made his first-team debut in 2016, but has come into his own in the ongoing campaign. The centre-forward has scored 12 goals and set up 2 more in 23 appearances across all competitions. However, he is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, due to a cruciate ligament rupture he suffered earlier this month.
Real Madrid have been closely monitoring the 21-year-old striker for some time now, after having been heavily impressed with his performances over the past few months. Los Blancos have made a habit of signing young and gifted Brazilian players of late, having recently secured the signatures of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
And club president Florentino Perez is understood to be keen on adding Pedro to that list as well, along with midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who also has emerged as a transfer target for the Merengues.
Having sold Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, Real Madrid went into the season with Karim Benzema and new signing Mariano Diaz as the only out-and-out strikers in the squad. And, having seen Pedro in action, the Spanish heavyweights are of the belief that he might be ready to step up to the first-team responsibilities.
However, signing him will not be easy for the reigning European champions as Milan too are intent on taking him to San Siro. The Rossoneri are short on viable options to spearhead their attack, with on-loan superstar Gonzalo Higuain the only striker at manager Gennaro Gattuso’s disposal, following Patrick Cutrone’s injury.
Milan’s sporting director Leonardo is believed to have scouted the striker personally, along with former Brazil superstar Kaka. And the club are hoping that Kaka’s connections would help them usurp Real Madrid to secure the 21-year-old’s signing.
Pedro still has three years left on his contract with Fluminense, that also reportedly contains a €50 million release clause. However, the Brazilian outfit are willing to listen to offers in the range of €25 million for their prized asset.
The serious nature of Pedro’s injury means he is ruled out of action for at least the next six months. However, that seems to have not dissuaded either Real Madrid or AC Milan from stepping up their pursuit of the 21-year-old.
But, it remains to be seen if Real Madrid or Milan make a move for Pedro in January, or wait till the summer window to push for a transfer, once the player is back to full fitness.
