Real Madrid transfer round-up: Benzema getting sold to keep Ronaldo happy, Tadic to Bernabeu and more
Benzema on the brink of an exit
Real Madrid are willing to sell Karim Benzema this summer to keep their superstar Cristiano Ronaldo happy at the club, reports Spanish journal Diario Gol. The report claims that Ronaldo is not happy with his goal tally this season and wants to operate in the number 9 role next season.
With Benzema at the club, Ronaldo is having to play from the left wing position which he is not too happy about. Daily Star reckons Real Madrid will push to sign Eden Hazard in the summer as Ronaldo’s replacement in the wings and will allow the Portuguese to operate as the lone striker.
Ronaldo has scored only 28 goals this season, his worst return at this stage of a season in last seven campaigns. Benzema could make a switch to Arsenal or Manchester United if Real Madrid receive a substantial offer for the Frenchman.
Tadic attracting European suitors
Southampton playmaker Dusan Tadic has attracted a strong interest from Real Madrid, Juventus and Napoli after enjoying yet another stellar season in the Premier League. The report has come from Fichajes, who claim that Real Madrid wants to add Tadic to their squad as a replacement for James Rodriguez and Isco.
Tadic has created 60 chances and managed 5 assists this season and has been one of the best players in the Premier League. Zinedine Zidane, however, will face a stiff competition for the Serbian international, who is currently favourite to join Napoli as a replacement for Dries Mertens next season.
Perez wants to sign Mbappe this summer
Real Madrid have made AS Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe their prime summer target, according to reports from Daily Star (via Don Balon). Club chairman Florentino Perez wants to make a marquee signing this summer and is desperate to beat Barcelona for Mbappe’s signature.
Barcelona have dropped their interest in the French striker for now as they first want to sort out the futures of Lionel Messi and Neymar ahead of next season. Mbappe has scored 21 goals in 35 appearances for Monaco this season, including a sensational solo goal vs Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 first leg tie of the Champions League earlier this week.
Mbappe is also a subject of strong interest from Manchester United as Jose Mourinho continues his search to find an ideal goal scorer who converts the chances into goals for the Red Devils. Despite the three-way battle, Real Madrid remain favourites for Mbappe’s signing with Zinedine Zidane, an iconic figure in French football at the helm.
Manchester United and Liverpool learn their fate for Asensio
Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez has turned down a bid from Premier League clubs Manchester United and Liverpool for the signing of Marco Asensio, according to reports from Don Balon.
The 21-year-old broke on the scene at Santiago Bernabeu earlier this season and has been since amongst goals and assists. However, with limited first team action, Liverpool and Manchester United were ready to make a move for the Spanish playmaker, however, Perez hold Asensio in high regards and will not sell him at any price.
It is believed that Asensio is being developed as the player to eventually replace Gareth Bale in Real Madrid’s starting XI and will certainly play for the Los Blancos next season