Mateo Kovacic fits the profile.

He’s talented, he’s multi-skilled and he’s expensive. He’s a player who’s already an international, an emerging star who is considered among the brightest prospects in the sport. His trajectory through the club ranks is going the right way, from Dinamo Zagreb to Inter Milan to Real Madrid. His progression through his nation’s ranks is just the same. 

But above all else, Kovacic is young. Twenty-one years young. To sign for Real Madrid right now, that’s the sort of age you need to be. 

Consider this bunch: Gareth Bale, Isco, Asier Illarramendi, Daniel Carvajal, Casemiro, James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos, Lucas Silva, Martin Odegaard, Danilo, Marco Asensio, Jesus Vallejo and Lucas Vazquez. Those names represent 13 of the 15 players Real Madrid have signed permanently over the last two years. Their common trait? Age. 

When those men put pen to paper at the Bernabeu, respectively, they were: 24, 21, 23, 21, 21, 23, 24, 21, 16, 23, 18, 18 and 24. Kovacic, at 21, adds to the bunch to make it 14 out of 16 after signing on Tuesday, Real Madrid’s only ventures outside the 16-24 age bracket coming for the purchases of goalkeepers Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla. And that pair might soon be supplanted by the 24-year-old David De Gea, who would make it 15 in 17.

To this haul, we can add Jese, Nacho and Denis Cheryshev, a trio who were elevated from the Castilla squad in 2013 and who currently reside at the Bernabeu. When promoted, they were 20, 23 and 22, respectively. Completing the picture is Raphael Varane, who’s still just 22 as we speak. 

Kovacic, therefore, represents the continuation of a plan for Real Madrid.

Though he’s far from the finished article, the Croatian is a precocious talent ready to be moulded to a manager’s liking. A player of positional versatility, quick feet, long shots, deft touches, surging runs and incisive passing, Kovacic has a skill set that could propel him to stardom—a skill set that may only need a launchpad. 

Real Madrid, it seems, see themselves as that. The launchpad. 

Thus, what we have in Chamartin is now of great contrast to the maligned Zidanes y Pavones of over a decade ago. That group, defined by Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham, was a collection of established footballing rockstars surrounded by academy products, built by president Florentino Perez in the misguided belief that star power would conquer all else. It didn’t. 

Now, however, Perez and Co. are assembling something different. In the Spanish capital, unlike elsewhere, there are no Bastian Schweinsteigers signing on the dotted line. No Arda Turans. No Arturo Vidals. No Radamel Falcaos. No Jackson Martinezs. No Angel Di Marias. Instead, Madrid are putting together a cluster of emerging faces, a group that the club will hope can grow together, evolve together. Eventually dominate together. The squad is so young that Marca has dubbed them “Benitez’s boys.”

Essentially, what Real Madrid are doing is picking the juiciest young fruits in the forest and throwing them into a blender, hoping they’ll combine to make the most delicious smoothie of all—one that tastes magnificent for hours rather than minutes. 

But will it work?

On the face of it, this is a positive step forward for Perez’s Real Madrid. Too often under the construction magnate, the man whom AS accused of treating the club as one of his “playthings,” there hasn’t been an identifiable plan, an obvious project. Stars have come and gone, plenty of them needlessly. Managers have faced the guillotine like it’s the French Revolution. Titles have been squandered. 

That Real Madrid have won one league crown in the last nine years of Perez’s two-part presidency says it all. A Real Madrid that remains the world’s glamour club. A Real Madrid that outdoes them all for resources, for allure. A Real Madrid that was voted the world’s greatest club of the 20th century. 

One in nine is a catastrophic return for Perez. 

Now, though, at least one can see what’s being built, a sense of long-term thinking clearly evident. Instead of pursuing immediate fixes, stars there for a good time but not a long time, Perez, for perhaps the first time at the Bernabeu, is constructing something that in theory is built to last—ironic when you consider the industry in which he’s made his money. 

However, this is a project that’s far from flawless. And Perez’s own tendencies have the potential to upset it. 

Kovacic, like others before him, doesn’t fill an obvious need. Though extremely versatile, capable of playing in both advanced and withdrawn positions, the Croatian is, at the heart of it, a creative and attacking talent. Just like Rodriguez. Like Kroos. Like Isco.  

Like countryman Luka Modric, who isn’t going anywhere fast. 

Thus, despite Perez’s plan to build a white army of future stars who’ll learn to fight together, the reality is that their growth won’t be simultaneous or parallel. You can’t fast-track the development of Rodriguez and Kroos and Isco and Kovacic and all the others. It doesn’t work that way. 

For a good example, you only need to look at the base of the midfield. In 2013, Real signed Illarramendi and Casemiro, later loaning out the Brazilian. Then last winter, Silva arrived to play the same role, before Casemiro was recalled. 

Now you’ve got a situation in which there are three midfield anchors all vying for the same position. All three are of a similar age and experience. All three are talented but works in progress—they could become very good but aren’t there yet. But Casemiro‘s return pushes the club past the quota for non-EU players, meaning Silva will likely go out on the loan. And Kovacic‘s arrival essentially spells the end for Illarramendi.

Consequently, in using the current model, it’s possible that plans get made for a future that never arrives. The new face, the latest sensation to develop, becomes the priority, halting the progress of the men who’ve come before him but who still aren’t the finished product themselves. 

In such circumstances, the result would be a succession of young prodigies whose ultimate level is never reached, the patience missing to see the process through to the end for each player. It’s like building a car to the point of putting the wheels on, but then stopping to start a new car from fresh. Over and over again. 

Naturally, there will be exceptions. But there will be numerous casualties, too. 

So here’s the crucial part: This plan can work, but it won’t if the arrivals lounge is constantly filling. At some point, the spending on the latest “it” talents has to cease, patience shown toward the crop who are already part of the process. 

Inevitably, then, it all comes back to Perez.

The problem? He’s rarely shown an ounce of that crucial quality, patience. 

Only during the tenure of Jose Mourinho has the current president ceded ultimate control to a manager, doing so on that occasion because he had no choice: he needed an all-powerful leader to wage war on a rampant Barcelona. 

When you examine the squad’s evolution during those years, illustrated neatly by Transfermarkt, you instantly see stability and continuity, the comings and goings limited to only what was necessary. The result was a record-breaking league title in 2011-12, Perez’s only one in his last nine years at the helm. 

In almost every other period, though, Perez has hastily ripped everything up and started again. Whether it be the sackings of popular coaches Vicente del Bosque or Carlo Ancelotti, or the dismantling of a European title-winning squad in 2014, the current president’s aversion to footballing principles is startling. 

“Each year, we do the impossible in order to win, but they always take it from us by two points or something like that,” he said in 2013. “I do not know why.”

Strange, because everyone else does. 

What exits at the Bernabeu, therefore, is a solid and potentially fruitful plan built on youth, but one whose success hinges upon the president’s willingness to change. 

To work, emerging stars need to be given time to become actual stars. They need to be shown patience and loyalty, given consistent messages from those above. On the pitch, systems, formations, positions and playing philosophies need a sense of familiarity, coherence. Clarity. If the plan is to build a group together, then the wider environment at the Bernabeu needs to be thought about in the same way. 

Can Perez, then, resist the urge to pull the trigger on manager after manager, a process that always results in upheaval on every level? Can he fight the temptation to sign the next Rodriguez, the next Isco and the next Kovecic, while those players—Rodriguez, Isco and Kovecic—are all still there?

In short, can he stop viewing Real Madrid as his “plaything” and realise there are ingredients to success that can’t be bought?

Certainly, there are other elements to Perez’s stockpiling of young talent; this process also denies such players from rivals, and gives the club the option of eventually selling on at a profit with a “made at Real Madrid” sticker attached. 

But at the core of everything at Real Madrid is the demand for success. Relentless, unyielding success. The current plan of hoovering up the world’s emerging talent could potentially deliver that, but only if the club and its president do what’s unnatural to them: sit tight, be patient, and actually see the plan through.

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Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly decided to let Karim Benzema leave the Bernabeu, opening the door for Arsenal to sign the Frenchman for £46 million.

According to Metro‘s George Bellshaw, “reports in Spain” suggest Perez is eager to sign Manchester City‘s Sergio Aguero, and as a result, Benzema is now seen as surplus to requirements.

The Gunners have been linked with Benzema for some time now, but it has always seemed enormously unlikely the striker would be allowed to leave the Bernabeu, per Press Association (h/t the Guardian).

Indeed, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague recently suggested there was nobody at the club who expected Benzema to depart:

This is unsurprising, as not only is the 27-year-old France international a prolific goalscorer, but he is an essential partner for allowing the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to flourish, per Squawka Football:

If Aguero was a realistic target for Real, they may be prepared to let Benzema leave. But there is seemingly no way City would let their star striker depart.

Furthermore, Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell believes what Los Blancos need is added depth in the striker department, not to let one of their most dangerous attacking threats leave:

Benzema will surely still be at Real come the end of the transfer window despite the wild speculation surrounding him, as he will be an essential player for new manager Rafael Benitez in the 2015-16 season. 

One player who does seem bound for the exit door at the Bernabeu, though, is defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi.

According to Ruben Vegas of Spanish outlet Marca, Illarramendi will be allowed to leave “as long as the offer they get is a serious one.”

Vegas reports Real are prepared to accept less than the €32 million (£22.5 million) they paid Real Sociedad for Illarramendi in 2013.

The 25-year-old has failed to make an impact with the La Liga giants, but he is a hugely talented player, and Liverpool are reportedly ready to swoop for him, per Metro.

With Real having recently confirmed the signing of yet another midfielder—Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan—it would seemingly be wise for them to get Illarramendi off the books even if they have to take a loss on his transfer fee.

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Liverpool are reportedly “closing in” on the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi.

According to Metro, the unwanted Real player is still a target for Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, as he looks to bolster his central midfield following the departure of Steven Gerrard.

The recent arrival at the Bernabeu of Inter Milan’s Mateo Kovacic has likely pushed Illarramendi further back in the pecking order under new boss Rafael Benitez, as the Real squad is now packed with quality midfielders, per football writer Cristian Nyari:

The 25-year-old Spaniard has failed to make a name for himself in Madrid since his €32.2 million (£22.7 million) move from Real Sociedad in 2013.

As noted by Marca‘s Ruben Vegas, Real are more than happy to let him go if a decent offer is made.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague reported that the La Liga giants have yet to receive an offer for Illarramendi:

However, Liverpool are seemingly willing to change that, as Rodgers looks to finalise his summer dealings with the transfer window drawing to a close.

While Illarramendi has failed at Real, he has barely been given a chance. He could flourish at Liverpool if given first-team opportunities, as he would provide an efficient shield for the Reds’ vulnerable defence while his excellent distribution skills could be an asset in attack.

Another potential midfield option for Liverpool is Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Motta. The Italy international recently admitted he was open to a move away from the Parc des Princes despite PSG‘s president saying he is not for sale, per Metro‘s Tom Olver:

I know my importance in the team, but the club don’t think like that. I respect what the president has said, even if I don’t agree with him. The transfer window is open. We’re going to see—I’m open to every situation. We have to find an agreement for the good of the club. The important thing is not me, the hierarchy or the players. The important thing is the club. I don’t like to speak like that—I always talk about the team. But now we have a situation where I have to think about myself.

Olver reported that Rodgers is “an avid admirer of the 32-year-old,” and he may yet go in for Motta before the closure of the transfer window.

Certainly, Motta would bring huge experience to the Anfield midfield which is missing following Gerrard’s recent departure.

Per French outlet Le Parisien (h/t Ligue 1 expert Jonathan Johnson), the former Barcelona player’s main grievance is with his relatively lowly pay package at PSG:

Thus, he could well be persuaded away by Liverpool if they put a good enough offer on the table. 

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Real Madrid confirmed the capture of Croatian midfield star Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan on Tuesday. 

The 21-year-old was linked to a move to Manchester United, but the Madrid giants were able to lure him to the Bernabeu instead and add to a midfield already stacked with superstars. 

He’ll be unveiled as a Madrid player on Wednesday, but thankfully, our resident graphic designer has already imagined how he’ll look in the legendary Madrid kit. 

[Design: @emranovic7]

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Real Madrid completed the transfer of midfielder Mateo Kovacic on Tuesday, with the 21-year-old moving from Inter Milan to the Bernabeu in one of the summer’s surprise switches.

The six-year deal was confirmed by Madrid and tweeted by Eurosport:

The Croatia international is widely regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in the world, and ESPN’s Musa Okwonga believes Los Blancos have made an excellent signing:

Kovacic broke through at the young age of 16 with Dinamo Zagreb before moving to Inter in 2013, where he quickly established himself as a top-class creative midfielder. The Nerazzurri were hoping to build their new squad around his incredible talents, but financial fair play sanctions forced their hand, as reported by Sky Sports.

Manager Roberto Mancini confirmed the FFP sanctions were directly responsible for the sales of both Kovacic and Xherdan Shaqiri this summer, as reported by Sport Mediaset (h/t FourFourTwo‘s Adam Digby):

Inter invested heavily in AS Monaco’s Geoffrey Kondogbia, signing the France international in June, and from that moment, a sale of Kovacic seemed like a real possibility. Liverpool were widely seen as the favourites to land his signature, but their offer of £14 million was rejected earlier this summer, per Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Daily Express‘ Anthony Chapman). 

As talented as the youngster is, his Inter career has been one filled with highs and lows. Kovacic had a promising start with the Nerazzurri, but his performances took a hit during the 2014-15 campaign, as explained by David Amoyal, a translator for Gianluca Di Marzio:

To me prospects like Mateo Kovacic are like the briefcase from “Pulp Fiction”- he’s a blank canvas that allows us to project what we want on him, the uncertainty makes him more exciting. Now that Kovacic is on his way to Real Madrid for a reported €35 million plus bonuses you can look at it in two ways- he could either be the new Coutinho or Inter got a great return (more than double what they paid for him) for a player who never became a full time starter under two different coaches on a team that wasn’t very good.

Despite being benched by both Mancini and Walter Mazzarri during the 2014-15 season, Kovacic still improved on his statistical output, scoring a career-high five goals, per WhoScored.com. He only managed three assists, but that number was influenced by the lack of talent around him, as Inter once again put together a disappointing campaign.

For Real, an investment in Kovacic is an investment in the future. The Croat is unlikely to push any of the regular starters going into the 2015-16 campaign, and instead, he’ll provide cover for the likes of Isco, James Rodriguez and compatriot Luka Modric.

He might be a potential long-term replacement for Modric, although so far in his career, he’s played his best matches in a more advanced role.

Regardless, what Kovacic needs most to continue his development is minutes, and after a rocky end to his tenure with Inter, a change of scenery might do him good. The Croat’s talent and potential are undeniable, and if Los Blancos show patience with their new acquisition, Kovacic could be a massive signing for them down the line.

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Real Madrid are awaiting a “serious” offer from Liverpool for surplus-to-requirements midfielder Asier Illarramendi, who looks likely to depart the Bernabeu this summer.

According to Ruben Vegas of Marca, Real acquired Illarramendi for €32 million in 2013, “but they would be prepared to accept less and take a loss, as long as the offer they get is a serious one.”

Further, the Spaniard “knows that Liverpool would love to have him,” with Vegas adding that “both Illarra and Real know that the English club is capable of putting its money where its mouth is” following Raheem Sterling’s departure.

As the report notes, Los Blancos have a substantial array of talent capable of operating in central midfield, including the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Isco and James Rodriguez, as well as Inter Milan’s Mateo Kovacic, who according to Marca‘s Oscar Martinez “is on his way to becoming a new Real Madrid player.”

That leaves little room for the expendable Spaniard, who “looks badly in need of a change of scenery,” according to Bleacher Report’s own Nick Dorrington in January.

However, as B/R columnist Guillem Balague reports, Madrid have so far not been approached about his services:

Liverpool have more room to accommodate Illarramendi following the departure of Steven Gerrard, with David Maddock of the Mirror noting that Lucas Leiva is also expected to leave Anfield in the summer.

The Reds’ current first-choice central pairing are Jordan Henderson and the newly acquired James Milner.

Henderson’s promotion to captain and impressive development in recent seasons ensures him a starting berth, while the underrated Milner is usually a pillar of consistency.

Beyond the two Englishmen, though, there is plenty of scope for Illarramendi to establish himself at Anfield.

Joe Allen’s league appearances for the Reds have declined each season since his arrival, while Emre Can has largely been used in defence by manager Brendan Rodgers.

Illarramendi struggled to make a positive impact last season as he was reduced to making cameo appearances at the end of matches.

However, as Squawka demonstrate, when given time on the pitch in the past the Spaniard has been able to put in much more effective performances and win far more tackles and aerial duels.

Further, the 25-year-old is an impressive passer, maintaining an average 91 per cent accuracy last season despite his struggles.

The midfielder’s ability to keep possession and engage in build-up play would likely see him thrive at Liverpool.

Illarramendi has a chance to reignite his career while youth is still on his side and Liverpool would acquire a hungry player eager to prove himself.

All that’s left now is for the Reds to make an offer.

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Real Madrid have reportedly decided they won’t wait a year to sign David De Gea on a free transfer and will instead move to acquire his services this summer.

That is according to Carlos Carpio of Marca, who reports that manager Rafael Benitez and club president Florentino Perez “met midway through last week to finalise the club’s first-team squad, and that squad included David De Gea.”

Carpio also reports that Real hope not to have to meet Manchester United’s hefty €40 million valuation, with an exchange involving Keylor Navas “the most logical way” of reaching an agreement as “it is a solution that would represent a win-win situation for all parties.”

United have brought in Sergio Romero already this summer, but while the Argentinian has looked dependable in his first two games for the club, he is not at De Gea’s level.

Admittedly neither is Navas, but the Costa Rican has impressed at the 2014 World Cup and in seasons past before he became Iker Casillas’ back-up in Madrid, as WhoScored.com shows:

The 28-year-old would therefore provide Romero with invaluable competition for United’s No. 1 spot and a strong alternative should the Argentinian’s move not work out as planned.

Ultimately, this seems the most likely outcome to the biggest transfer saga of the summer.

Real Madrid Dismiss Juventus Enquiry for Isco

According to David Amoyal, translator on behalf of Gianlucadimarzio.com, “contacted Real Madrid and Chelsea about Isco and Oscar respectively, but neither player is available.”

The Spaniard was reportedly reassured of his future with the club by Benitez in June, per Alberto Pinero of Goal.com.

A wise choice it seems, as the attacking midfielder has a long and bright future ahead of him.

The 23-year-old laid on 14 goals for his team-mates in all competitions last season, as well as finding the net six times himself.

As WhoScored.com illustrates, Isco is exceptional with the ball at his feet, while his vision and ability to execute difficult passes are also outstanding:

Los Blanco’s wealth of attacking and creative talent ensures Benitez will have a tough time in giving all of them game time, but Isco’s talent and incisive contributions earn him a place in their starting XI.

Los Blancos Close in on Inter Milan’s Mateo Kovacic

According to Marca‘s Oscar Martinez, “Mateo Kovacic is on his way to becoming a new Real Madrid player” and “is soon to be presented at the Santiago Bernabeu.”

Earlier in the summer, the 21-year-old declared his future lay with Inter Milan.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sky Sports) he said: “I want to stay here. I will not leave. That’s what I wanted, that’s what my renewal until 2019 shows, there will be a long relationship between myself and Inter.”

If Martinez’s report is accurate, the midfielder will have performed a Fabian Delph-esque U-turn, though when Real Madrid are involved a switch will always be a tempting prospect.

Kovacic has been a standout player at Inter for some time, and last year scored five goals in all competitions and assisted eight.

As WhoScored.com shows, the youngster likes to get forward and uses his excellent array of passing as he does so:

BeIN Sports’ Matteo Bonetti is clearly a fan of the midfielder, who he feels deserves even more game time at Inter:

Though his arrival will only add to Benitez’s selection headaches, the youngster is rapidly on his way to becoming a genuine star.

If he can cope with the step up to Real and handle the enormous pressure that comes with a move to the Bernabeu, expect Kovacic to shine over the coming seasons.

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Chelsea have reportedly joined the chase for Real Madrid star Isco, with speculation regarding his future rising following the imminent arrival of Inter Milan’s Mateo Kovacic.  

According to La Repubblica (h/t Metro‘s Jamie Sanderson, via the Daily Express’ Adam Skinner) Juventus have identified the 23-year-old as a potential target and are preparing a £28.4 million offer, but Bayern Munich, Manchester City and the Blues are also keeping an eye on the situation:

The Spain play-maker is wanted by Juventus, Bayern Munich and Manchester City this summer amid talk he could be allowed to quit Madrid.

And now with Jose Mourinho looking to freshen up his midfield options, reports say Chelsea are now ready to sign him.

Juve are prepared to offer £28.4million for Isco but it’s thought his real value is closer to £33.7m – a figure more likely to tempt Real into selling.

Those rumours will only gain steam now that Kovacic has all but completed his move to the Spanish capital, per La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t AS‘ David F. Sanchidrian).

Isco was one of Real’s top performers last season, taking full use of Luka Modric’s injury to stake his claim for a starting position. By the end of the campaign, he had started 26 matches in La Liga, scoring four goals and handing out nine assists, per WhoScored.com.

The numbers don’t tell the whole story, as Isco was consistently one of the team’s top performers in the midfield. But despite his excellence last year, he won’t be guaranteed anything in 2015-16, and he looks set to battle James Rodriguez for a spot in the starting XI.

With Kovacic set to further complicate matters, it’s easy to see why some believe Isco could be on his way out. There are plenty of clubs who would guarantee him a spot in their starting XI, and given his talent and sky-high potential, he would be worthy of a massive investment.

Chelsea could certainly use another creative force in the midfield to take the pressure off of Cesc Fabregas, Oscar and Eden Hazard, and Isco is versatile enough to play all over the midfield or in one of the forward slots.

Fans shouldn’t start getting carried away just yet, however. Isco is yet to give any indication he could be open to a move elsewhere, and no one within the Real organisation has openly suggested a sale.

Kovacic may be a similar player in terms of where he plays on the pitch, but the young Croatian is a raw prospect who is well behind Isco in his development. The 21-year-old will not be stealing major minutes anytime soon, and Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe thinks Asier Illarramendi or Lucas Silva will move well before Isco does:

Isco just might be the most talented youngster currently playing for the Spanish national team, and those kinds of players don’t often leave Los Blancos. It would take an astronomical offer to tempt Real into a sale, well above the £33.7 million cited by Sanderson, and even then, the Spanish giants may not bite.

His playing time during the upcoming season will be key in determining his future, as it’s unclear which starting XI new manager Rafa Benitez will prefer. Should it not include the Spanish playmaker, a move to another top club could be on the cards at some point in the future, but as of right now, it seems highly unlikely.

Everton Lining Up John Stones Replacement?

According to the Daily Star, Everton manager Roberto Martinez has identified Swansea City’s Ashley Williams as a replacement for talented youngster John Stones, who remains a key target for the Blues.

The Toffees remain adamant Stones is not for sale, despite several approaches from Chelsea, but Blues manager Jose Mourinho is desperate to add another defender and could be willing to offer as much as £34 million for his services:

Centre-back Williams, 30 played under Toffees boss Roberto Martinez at Swansea. The Wales skipper is under contract at the Liberty Stadium for another three years and is valued at £10million. But sources close to Williams believe Martinez will move for him if he loses Stones.

Chelsea have had two bids knocked back for Everton’s England defender and may have to offer as much as £34m. Martinez insists Stones, 21, is not for sale but Stamford Bridge chief boss Jose Mourinho wants to see his squad strengthened before the transfer window closes.

The 21-year-old established himself as one of England’s top young defenders last season and has picked up right where he left off, impressing for Everton in their win over Southampton, per Squawka. And with Chelsea showing plenty of defensive frailties in their 3-0 loss against Manchester City, football writer Henry Winter believes the Toffees’ asking price may keep increasing:

Williams would make sense as a potential replacement for Stones, as Martinez has some familiarity with the centre-back, but Everton’s top priority remains avoiding a sale in the first place.

Premier League clubs have never been richer than they are right now following the new TV deal, per the BBC, and the downside of that is that it’s easier for clubs like Everton to say “no” to even the highest of bids. That doesn’t rule out a transfer; it just complicates matters.

The decision will likely come down to Stones himself, and if the rumours Martinez is already looking for a possible replacement are true, it’s good news for Chelsea. It’s still impossible to tell how this particular saga will play out, but with every passing day bringing us closer to the end of the summer transfer window, the odds of a move continue to shrink.

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Juventus will reportedly attempt to pry Isco away from Real Madrid following the imminent arrival of Mateo Kovacic, the talented 21-year-old midfielder from Inter Milan who is on the verge of completing a shock move to the Spanish capital.  

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t AS‘ David F. Sanchidrian), it’s unlikely Isco will actually join Juventus, but that won’t stop the Bianconeri from trying [sic]:

Mateo Kovacic’s imminent arrival at Real Madrid could have a secondary effect on Rafa Benitez’s squad – the departure of Isco. Or at least that is what Juventus are hoping will happen in such a scenario.

Kovacic is expected to sign to bolster a midfield which comprises Modric, Kroos and James – that would increase competition for a starting place for Isco, an idol with the fans but who has yet to lock down a regular place in the team.

That’s why Massimiliano Allegri is on full alert. Arturo Vidal’s exit to Bayern Munich is the perfect excuse for Juve to enter the transfer markets but no necessarily for an attacking midfielder. … This is the plot Juventus have hatched but to make things easier, they would also need affirmation from the player which seems highly improbable at this point.

Options include a normal deal that would likely cost the Italian champions up to €50 million, a one-year loan move or a deal involving Alvaro Morata, the former Real striker who moved to Turin last summer in a deal that involves a buyback clause, which can be activated in the summer of 2016, per the Independent‘s Adam Digby.

Isco enjoyed a strong campaign in 2014-15, aided by Luka Modric’s injury that saw the Spain international take over his spot in midfield. He made a total of 26 starts in La Liga, scoring four goals and adding nine assists, per WhoScored.com.

The 23-year-old is expected to battle James Rodriguez for a spot in the starting XI in 2015-16, and manager Rafa Benitez could choose to rotate the two. The addition of Kovacic complicates matters, although the Croatia international is a raw prospect unlikely to overtake Isco or Rodriguez in the pecking order anytime soon.

Kovacic is insanely talented, but his proposed transfer to Los Blancos is based around his potential, not his current performances. As explained by David Amoyal , a translator for Gianluca Di Marzio, the youngster was benched by two different managers last season, as he failed to impress for Inter:

To me prospects like Mateo Kovacic are like the briefcase from “Pulp Fiction”- he’s a blank canvas that allows us to project what we want on him, the uncertainty makes him more exciting. Now that Kovacic is on his way to Real Madrid for a reported €35 million plus bonuses you can look at it in two ways- he could either be the new Coutinho or Inter got a great return (more than double what they paid for him) for a player who never became a full time starter under two different coaches on a team that wasn’t very good.

Meanwhile, Isco has proven time after time that he’s one of the world’s most exciting young midfielders, a versatile player who can act as both a main creative outlet and a scoring winger. He has given no indication he wants to leave Los Blancos, and likewise, the club has done nothing to suggest he may be available.

Fans and pundits may be salivating at the idea he’s suddenly available following the imminent arrival of Kovacic, but Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe thinks it’s more likely the likes of Asier Illarramendi and Lucas Silva will move:

Isco’s agent Rafael Comino told TuttoJuve.com (h/t Amoyal) Juventus have yet to make contact with him or his client, and while the situation with Kovacic may change their approach, it’s hard to imagine any scenario in which Isco would decide to abandon Real for a foreign adventure.

Things could change should his playing time take a drastic turn for the worse in 2015-16, but as of right now, the Spaniard is unlikely to leave the Bernabeu.

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New Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez will reportedly look to the Serie A to finalise his squad before the end of the summer transfer window, with Juventus’ Fernando Llorente and Lazio’s Lucas Biglia high on his wish list.

That’s according to Marca‘s Enrique Ortego, who claims the duo are being eyed as potential depth options, with Lucas Silva likely to leave Los Blancos on loan:

Rafa Benitez is more than satisfied with the squad that he has at his disposal and the hard work that his players have put in during a hectic pre-season. The Spaniard would, however, not be averse to strengthening his pack in two specific positions: a holding midfielder and a striker who is happy to live in the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.

With Lucas Silva heading for the exit door, the coach is considering his transfer options. The profile of the desired midfielder is clearly defined: a tough-tackling anchorman.

A man whose attributes match is another Lucas, namely Lucas Biglia. The Argentine is sought after at the moment, with Manchester United also keen on acquiring his services. …

Fernando Llorente’s name is in the frame given Juventus are likely to end up selling the striker before 31st August and he has a completely different style to anyone in the current Real Madrid squad. The Basque marksman’s specific skillset means he could be an excellent complement to what is already available.

Of the two, Spanish fans are probably more familiar with Llorente, who once terrorised La Liga defences with Athletic Bilbao before moving to Juventus on a free transfer in 2013. The 30-year-old found some success during his first season in Turin, but Alvaro Morata took over the starting position last season.

With Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza joining the Bianconeri this summer, Juventus no longer have a need for another in-the-box striker, and Llorente is expected to leave the club in the near future.

El Rey Leon would provide Benitez with a new kind of striker who uses his power and size well to shield the ball and win aerial battles. No player in Serie A has found more success in the air over the past two seasons, per OptaPaolo, but Llorente is more than just a big man who can score the occasional goal.

The Spain international is an underrated technician capable of finding success in limited space, a powerful weapon when chasing a goal late against a team bent on defending. He scored just seven goals in Serie A last season, via WhoScored.com, but put up consistent numbers in the years previous.

Llorente would never start over Karim Benzema, but as an experienced bench option capable of filling in whenever he’s needed, he has value. That said, Los Blancos have the option to bring back Morata next summer―via the Independent‘s Adam Digby―and perhaps such a move would make more sense.

Biglia is another potential target, adding some bite to Benitez’s midfield and allowing Silva to leave the club on loan in search of regular minutes. The Argentina international has been linked with Manchester United, per beIN Sports’ Tancredi Palmeri, after a productive spell with Lazio.

Mateo Kovacic is expected to move to the Spanish capital, with Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini confirming the deal is all but done, via football writer Pete O’Rourke, but the Croatian is a more attacking option, whereas Biglia is a typical ball-winner who plays his best football at the base of midfield.

The 29-year-old spent several years playing in Belgium and has flown under the radar as a result, but he’s become a valued member of the Argentinian national team in the past couple of seasons. He’s not a flashy player, but he does his job and works hard in tracking the ball. He’s also become more physical since moving to Italy, although he still relies primarily on his vision.

Like Llorente, Biglia would serve as a backup in case of injuries, but with Casemiro returning from loan, it’s hard to see why Benitez would have a need for another holding midfielder. The 23-year-old may not have Biglia’s experience, but he flashed enough potential during his loan spell with FC Porto to at least warrant an extensive look.

Biglia is a solid player, but Real have plenty of depth in the centre of the pitch. It makes no sense to spend big on the Argentinian and would only hinder the development of both Casemiro and Silva.

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