Lille will reportedly look to sign Arda Guler on loan as part of the deal to sell Leny Yoro to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Leny Yoro is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues want to sign a young and highly-rated centre-back in the summer transfer window. But LOSC Lille will demand a loan deal for Arda Guler to part ways with the 18-year-old defender, with the final transfer fee being close to €60 million.
The Rise and Rise of Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro is one of the best young defenders in the world. The Frenchman has seen his stock skyrocket in no time, having only been a mainstay at the back for LOSC Lille this season. He made his first-team debut two years ago but has grown in stature considerably in the 2023/24 campaign.
Yoro has turned out 35 times thus far this term, chipping in with three goals. The 18-year-old has piqued the interest of several high-profile clubs with his exploits in the 2023/24 season. Premier League bigwigs are keen on signing him in the summer transfer window. But his next destination might be Real Madrid.
Madrid Calling?
Real Madrid’s interest in Yoro is understandable. While Carlo Ancelotti has four top-class centre-backs in his squad, a closer look reveals the need for a succession plan. Nacho, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30. In addition, Nacho has entered the final six months of his contract and might leave Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Alaba will return to action next season after a long-term knee injury, meaning his performance levels might drop. So, it behoves Real Madrid to invest in a centre-back, with Leny Yoro emerging as a viable target.
The 18-year-old Frenchman reportedly has his heart set on joining Real Madrid, handing Los Blancos a boost. But LOSC Lille will look to take advantage by asking for Arda Guler in the deal to sell Yoro to Real Madrid. Such an operation will drop the transfer fee to €60 million.
Lille might ask to keep Guler on loan for as many as two years. With the 19-year-old struggling for game time after spending most of the 2023/24 campaign on the sidelines with injuries, joining another club on loan might suit him. It will be interesting to see if a part-exchange deal materialises.
