Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Benjamin Mendy, who is valued at around €20 million by Manchester City, over a summer move.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Benjamin Mendy is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The defending La Liga champions view the French international, valued by Manchester City at around €20 million, as a long-term replacement for Marcelo and are pondering over a summer swoop for the left-back.
Benjamin Mendy joined Manchester City from AS Monaco in the summer of 2017 in a big-money deal that added to the hype and pressure surrounding him. However, in the last four years or so, the 26-year-old has been constantly pegged back by a spate of injuries that have hampered his progress considerably.
As a result, Mendy has managed just 68 appearances for Manchester City and has, in fact, slid down the pecking order for left-backs even when fit and available. Now a rotation option for Pep Guardiola, the French international still continues to be rated highly, with Real Madrid, in particular, showing an interest in him.
For years at Real Madrid, the left-back position was one that did not really need to be addressed, owing to the excellence of Marcelo in the position for over a decade. However, in the last couple of years, the Brazilian defender has experienced a steep decline, with Ferland Mendy usurping him in Zinedine Zidane’s squad.
Heading into the summer transfer window, Marcelo’s future at Real Madrid is believed to be bleak, with widespread reports suggesting that he could be set to exit the club post the ongoing season. As a result, Real Madrid have identified a number of options to bolster the left-back slot, and add some valuable competition for Mendy, with Raphael Guerreiro one of the options considered.
Former defensive star Sergio Reguilon is also believed to be on Los Blancos‘ radar, with the player himself reportedly keen on returning to the club. Now, though, another option in the form of Benjamin Mendy is being considered by Real Madrid, who has a €20 million price tag.
The report claims that the Merengues view the €20 million sum as a bargain while also adding that Manchester City will not stand in the French international’s way if their valuation is met. What now remains to be seen is if Real Madrid do indeed shell out the required amount to land Benjamin Mendy to replace Marcelo come summer.
