La Liga champions Real Madrid have approached Serie A giants Napoli for 28-year-old Slovakian midfield enforcer Stanislav Lobotka.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Real Madrid and Napoli have been in contact over a possible deal for Stanislav Lobotka. The reigning La Liga champions have submitted an enquiry to the Serie A giants for the 28-year-old midfield enforcer, valued at €70 million.
Stanislav Lobotka has taken his career to a new level since joining Napoli from Celta Vigo nearly three years ago. The Slovak had been an inconsistent performer with a high ceiling at the Galician club. But he has stepped up his performance levels in the last couple of seasons, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A.
The 28-year-old has played a pivotal role for Napoli in their climb to the top of Serie A this season. He has featured in every game thus far for the Partenopei, chipping in with one goal and one assist. And Lobotka’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of La Liga champions Real Madrid.
The interest in Lobotka comes from Carlo Ancelotti, with the Red Madrid manager being a keen admirer of his talent. The eagerness to sign the Slovakian midfield enforcer might be intriguing at first sight. But the player’s versatility makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid.
While Lobotka has featured as a holding midfielder for Napoli, he is capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder. And recent reports have indicated that Ancelotti wants to utilise the 28-year-old as a ball carrier. So with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos approaching the end of their respective careers, the Slovak has emerged as a viable target.
The Merengues have now approached Napoli for a possible move for the former Celta Vigo midfielder. But Lobotka will not come cheap, as the Serie A giants want €70 million to part ways with him. That valuation might put Real Madrid on the back foot, considering they have a few other expensive targets lined up.
It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid will be open to shelling out €70 million for the Slovakian international. The 28-year-old midfield enforcer can be a solid addition to Los Blancos’ squad. Meanwhile, other suitors like Chelsea and Manchester City will also likely monitor the situation closely.
