Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Roger Ibanez, who could depart Serie A this summer and is valued at around €25 million.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Roger Ibanez is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a move in the summer transfer window. The Spanish giants view the 22-year-old Brazilian defender as a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Ramos.
Ibanez joined AS Roma on loan from Atalanta in January 2020 and has been one of the better performers for the Giallorossi over the last 18 months. To date, the Brazilian defender has turned out 50 times for the Serie A giants, even chipping in with two goals and as many assists.
Now set to join Roma on a permanent deal this summer, Ibanez could well be set to depart Serie A altogether, with the Giallorossi having the chance to make a quick profit amid uncertainties on the financial front. The interest in the 22-year-old is stemming from Spain, with none other than Real Madrid courting him.
Real Madrid have been forced into the transfer market for a centre-back this summer despite the arrival of David Alaba. That is because Sergio Ramos will be officially leaving the club at the turn of the month, when his deal with Los Blancos runs out, in what has sent shock waves across the footballing world.
In addition, Raphael Varane also faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid, amid heavy links with PSG and Manchester United. With two of their best players of the past decade possibly both calling it quits at the club, it is hardly surprising that the Merengues are scouring the market for a central defender, with Jose Maria Gimenez among those eyed as a potential target.
Ibanez, to that end, is a viable target as well for Real Madrid, with the 22-year-old arriving as a potential long-term solution at the heart of the defence. And Real Madrid might fancy their chances of completing a €25 million summer swoop as well, considering they share a strong working relationship with Roma and have even been linked with a move for Leonardo Spinazzola.
For now, it looks like Ibanez is one of the options on the shortlist for Carlo Ancelotti & co. heading into the summer transfer window. It now remains to be seen if a €25 million move sees the light of the day for the Brazilian defender, ending with his departure from Serie A.