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.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1K4KCuq
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

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. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1MwKgx6
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

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]

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1MwguZg
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

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.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1EA35ca
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

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.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1JeslWq
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

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.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1WBlD77
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

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.

Follow @ReverschPass

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1LgIrFB
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J