Real Madrid are reportedly keeping tabs on Manchester City youngster Lukas Nmecha, who is currently out on loan at RSC Anderlecht.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid are extensively scouting Manchester City’s 22-year-old forward Lukas Nmecha, who is currently excelling out on loan at Belgian club RSC Anderlecht.
Nmecha has been with Manchester City since 2007 and has carved out a reputation of being a prolific goalscorer throughout his youth career. The 22-year-old made his senior debut for the Cityzens back in December 2017 but has managed just two more appearances after that.
Instead, Nmecha has been constantly farmed out on loan over the past few years, having had stints with Preston North End, Wolfsburg and Middlesbrough, before joining Anderlecht last summer where he has linked up with former Manchester City captain and club legend Vincent Kompany.
During his time in Belgium, Nmecha has continued to enhance his reputation of being an ace goalscorer, having already notched up a tally of 16 goals from 32 matches across all competitions. His ability to sniff a goal, coupled with his ball control and the versatility he offers in attack, has alerted Real Madrid, who are now closely following him.
Real Madrid are in need of quality and depth in the attacking department heading into the new season, especially in the centre-forward slot. Karim Benzema is the only consistent goalscorer that manager Zinedine Zidane has at his disposal, and he too is entering the final phase of his career at 33.
Mariano Diaz has struggled whenever an opportunity has come his way whereas Luka Jovic’s future remains uncertain after he was loaned out to Eintracht Frankfurt during the January window. Thus, bringing in one superstar centre-forward who could be a long-term replacement for Benzema and another who can act as a quality backup, becomes important for Real Madrid.
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Erling Haaland has been identified as the top transfer target to bolster the centre-forward slot, with a deal for him believed to be ‘practically done’. But Real Madrid are also keeping a close watch on Nmecha, as someone who can add value to the squad and grow with time and experience.
The 22-year-old’s contract with Manchester City expires in the summer of 2022, meaning he could be available in the summer unless he is integrated into the first-team setup at the Etihad as Sergio Aguero’s time draws to a close.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on the striker, having watched him in action for the Germany Under-21 side when he scored in a 3-0 win over Hungary in the UEFA Under-21 European Championships. It remains to be seen if they make a move for him in the summer or pursue alternate targets such as Bologna’s Musa Barrow.
