Real Madrid are reportedly set to make an attempt to land Brazilian international Roberto Firmino, who is also wanted by arch rivals Barcelona.
As per a report from Spanish outlet Don Balon, Real Madrid are keen on making a move for Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino, who is also on the radar of bitter rivals Barcelona.
The 27-year-old Firmino is in his fourth season with Liverpool, having joined from TSG Hoffenheim back in 2015 and has grown into an integral part of the team under Jurgen Klopp.
The Brazilian had a sensational campaign last time out, finishing with 27 goals and 17 assists in 54 matches, but has begun the 2018-19 season slowly. So far in the ongoing season, Firmino has scored four times and set up two more goals in 17 appearances across all competitions.
Despite his indifferent start to the ongoing campaign, the attacker remains a man in demand. Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona have taken an interest in Firmino, as they seek a long-term replacement for star striker Luis Suarez, with the Uruguayan international in his thirties.
And now, Real Madrid have also entered the fray to sign the 28-time capped Brazil international, who is valued in the range of €80 million by Liverpool.
Following the summer departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, Los Blancos have been found wanting in attack this season. Karim Benzema’s form has been hit and a miss once again, while Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio haven’t been able to make the desired impact. Summer signing Mariano Diaz, meanwhile, has not been given a consistent look-in since returning from Olympique Lyon.
With Real Madrid in the market for a new forward in the January window, numerous superstars have been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with the likes of Harry Kane, Edinson Cavani and Mauro Icardi being monitored. However, club president Florentino Perez has now identified Firmino as a key transfer target.
While Barcelona’s interest in the 27-year-old could have complicated matters for Madrid, the Merengues are quietly confident of getting their man, after reports earlier this month claimed that the Catalans will not be allowed to sign a Liverpool player until 2021 – an agreement that the two clubs reached, as part of the deal that saw Philippe Coutinho move to Camp Nou from Anfield.
Should Barcelona choose to pursue the Brazilian anyway, they will have to pay an added €100 million over Liverpool’s valuation of the player. That would mean Firmino would cost the Blaugrana a whopping €180 million, making the deal highly improbable to go through.
And Real Madrid are hoping to capitalise on this situation and swoop in on the 27-year-old ahead of their arch enemies.
Firmino is contracted with Liverpool till the summer of 2023, having signed an extension in April earlier this year. A vital cog in Klopp’s side, it will be hard for Real Madrid to convince the Reds to part ways with their valued asset. It remains to be seen if they will be able to make Firmino the next Galactico, or if they are forced to pursue alternative targets, just like Barcelona.
