Real Madrid are reportedly keeping tabs on former Barcelona academy star Dani Olmo over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by OK Diario, Real Madrid are “really attentive” to Dani Olmo, who is being viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Lucas Vazquez. The former Barcelona academy star is valued at around €30 million by RB Leipzig.
Dani Olmo joined the Barcelona youth setup in 2007 and made massive strides within La Masia, but could never manage to break into the first-team setup at Camp Nou. Instead, the young Spanish attacker made his way to Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2014, where he grew in stature to a great extent for the subsequent half-a-decade.
Last January, the 22-year-old joined RB Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb and he has since gone on to impress further with the Bundesliga outfit. Till date, Olmo has turned out 44 times for Leipzig, with a return of 8 goals and 9 assists to show for his efforts. His progress has been noticed by Real Madrid, who are considering a possible move for Olmo for the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid appear to be in desperate need to overhaul their squad and freshen Zinedine Zidane’s options ahead of next season, with several players underperforming this season. The attacking unit looks set to be bolstered as well, especially with Eden Hazard constantly struggling to overcome his fitness issues, while the Belgian has also been linked with a possible return to Chelsea.
In addition, Real Madrid are in a precarious position over the future of Lucas Vazquez. The Spanish international is currently in the final few months of his deal with Los Blancos, and appears to be no closer to reaching an agreement over a renewal. In fact, the report suggests that the Merengues are practically preparing for Vazquez to leave on a free in the summer.
To that end, Real Madrid are set to enter the market for an attacking reinforcement to replace the Spaniard, who has been one of their best players this season. Olmo is, therefore, a viable target for Real Madrid, considering he can play all across the attacking line behind the striker.
The former Barcelona academy ace is valued at around €30 million by RB Leipzig, which should further add to his allure, seeing as Real Madrid are not in the best of positions financially. Apart from Olmo, a move for Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has also been mooted, but it remains to be seen if it is Olmo instead who ends up making his way to Real Madrid in the summer.