Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on 26-year-old Brazilian international Marquinhos over a possible move this summer.
As reported by French outlet Le Buteur, Marquinhos has popped up on the radar of Real Madrid over a move in the summer transfer window. The defending La Liga champions are eyeing the 26-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender as one of the replacements for Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
That Real Madrid are desperately in search of not one but two centre-backs is common knowledge by now. Sergio Ramos has failed to reach an agreement with Los Blancos over a new deal up until now, with his current contract expiring this summer. Raphael Varane, on the other hand, is looking for a new challenge, as per widespread reports and could depart this year.
While David Alaba appears set to arrive in the Spanish capital by signing a five-year deal this summer, the Austrian international’s arrival alone will not fill the void of both Ramos and Varane. As a result, it is imperative for Real Madrid to identify a viable second option as well.
To that end, the Merengues have been linked with Merih Demiral, Pau Torres and Jules Kounde among others. And now, another top class defender has emerged as an option for Real Madrid, who have turned their attention towards Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos.
Marquinhos joined PSG from AS Roma in the summer of 2013 and has since gone on to become a pivotal figure for the French giants. In fact, not only has the 26-year-old Brazilian international been a mainstay at the back for Les Parisiens for years now, he has also made an impact when deployed in midfield.
Ahead of the start of the ongoing campaign, Marquinhos, who has turned out 317 times for the Ligue 1 champions, reached the pinnacle at PSG, becoming the new club captain following the departure of Thiago Silva. Having established himself as one of the best centre-backs on show in Europe, it is not hard to see why Real Madrid would want to sign him.
In fact, his leadership abilities would also make him a viable replacement for Ramos, in particular. However, considering his stature at PSG, where he still has three years left on his current deal, it is highly unlikely that a summer transfer would see the light of the day for the 26-year-old. For all intents and purposes, Real Madrid might have to turn their attention elsewhere.