Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up the prospect of offering Marco Asensio in a part-exchange deal to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Real Madrid could offer Marco Asensio in the deal to secure the services of Jules Kounde. The Spanish giants are ready to pay €40 million in addition to the 25-year-old Spanish forward to sign the French defender from their fellow La Liga club.
Marco Asensio has endured a topsy-turvy ride at Real Madrid since returning from a long layoff due to a knee injury last year. The Spaniard has struggled to perform consistently and has lost his place in the Spanish national side as a result. However, there have been signs of a turnaround in recent weeks, and the 25-year-old has six goals and one assist in 19 appearances this term.
On the other hand, Kounde has gone from strength to strength in the same period, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in La Liga. The youngster’s exploits have also helped him establish a foothold in the French national side. At the same time, he has also popped up on the radars of several European bigwigs, including Real Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid makes a world of sense, as Carlo Ancelotti is short of reliable centre-backs in his squad. While Eder Militao has stepped up well this year, David Alaba is the only other viable central defensive option for the Real Madrid boss.
With the Austrian international currently unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19, the need to sign a centre-back has become even more palpable. Such a situation has arisen because Real Madrid chose not to replace Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane with as many options in the summer transfer window.
As a result, the Spanish giants have been linked with several centre-backs over a possible summer move, including Niklas Sule, Antonio Rudiger and Pau Torres, with Kounde also a viable target. The latest rumour suggests Real Madrid could use Asensio as a makeweight to prise Kounde away from fellow La Liga club Sevilla.
The Andalusian giants have recently been heavily linked with the 25-year-old Spanish forward. And in addition to Asensio, Real Madrid will be willing to offer €40 million in the part-exchange deal. The report claims that Sevilla might be open to such a proposal, as they have their sights set on possible replacement options for Kounde, while Asensio will strengthen their attack. So, it remains to be seen if such a deal sees the light of the day.
