Real Madrid continue to make headway in the transfer market. A new player, highly recommended and sought after by José Mourinho, is in their sights.
Real Madrid fans and Spanish journalists alike are spoilt for choice. In recent days, the club has been in a state of upheaval as the presidential elections draw nearer. Each camp is trying to present its plans and ideas. To win over voters, Enrique Riquelme and Florentino Pérez are promising to sign the best players. Last night, Riquelme stated that he would sign Erling Haaland if he were to win the election. But Alfie Haaland, the Cyborg’s father, has publicly denied the report. A major blow for candidate Riquelme.
For his part, Florentino Pérez has indicated that José Mourinho will be on the bench this summer should he be re-elected. Whilst the Special One has denied to Benfica that he filmed the video shared by Pérez, stating that AI had been used, he has not denied that he would be joining the Casa Blanca for a second term. The current Real Madrid president also revealed that Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract at Liverpool is expiring, will join them this summer. He has promised further defensive reinforcements. Unsurprisingly, Denzel Dumfries will be one of them. The 30-year-old has already passed his medical and will sign a four-year contract.
Real Madrid are tracking Calafiori
But that’s not all. For the past few days, there has been talk of interest in Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City). On Thursday, another name popped up. The Mirror and Sky Germany report that the Santiago Bernabéu side are targeting Riccardo Calafiori. Under contract with Arsenal until 2029, the versatile 24-year-old defender (36 appearances, 1 goal and 3 assists this season) has caught the eye of the Merengues. According to various media outlets, José Mourinho, who crossed paths with him at AS Roma and sold him during his time there, has called for his return.
The Special One wants to work with him again and believes he would be an excellent signing for Madrid, according to the Mirror. He is his top priority. Sky Germany also reports direct talks between Madrid and Calafiori’s camp. For his part, journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed this information, stating that Real Madrid contacted the Italian’s entourage a few weeks ago to gather information and test the waters. If the interest is genuine, seeing this deal through will be very difficult. Arsenal are not necessarily open to selling Calafiori, who is part of the project put in place by Mikel Arteta. Real Madrid, who appreciate his versatility and qualities, are hoping to snatch him away from the Gunners.
FC Barcelona are already in a panic over Ebrima Tunkara
Regarded as the most promising prospect currently in the ranks of La Masia, the Spanish-Gambian attacking midfielder Ebrima Tunkara is in high demand…
FC Barcelona’s La Masia is, without a doubt, the most productive and effective youth academy in Europe at present. And the club’s first team is clearly reaping the benefits, with players such as Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal, among others, whilst other players from the Barcelona academy include Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Nico Gonzalez (Manchester City) and Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen). And in the coming years, new talents from La Masia are set to emerge onto the scene.
This is the case with Ebrima Tunkara, for example, an attacking midfielder who turned 16 in March. A name already well known in Catalonia, even though he has never yet played for the first team. He has, in fact, played his first matches this season with Barça’s B team, and there is a strong possibility he will take part in pre-season with the first team, under Hansi Flick. A left-footed attacking midfielder, he is often compared to Lamine Yamal, but his style of play is more akin to that of Yaya Touré, for example, as he is a rather central midfielder with a disconcerting ease in breaking through lines and driving into the box.
All of Europe wants him
The Catalan press also describe him as a particularly professional and mature young player. As AS reports, the player’s qualities have not gone unnoticed in Europe, and many clubs are already keen to prise him away from Barça. Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus, among others, have already ticked his name off their list and could offer the Spanish U17 international a hefty salary; he is currently competing in the U17 European Championship with La Rojita, putting in a string of top-class performances.
Under contract until 2029, the player himself reportedly has no intention of leaving for the time being, wishing to follow in the footsteps of Lamine Yamal and Gavi. However, some very attractive offers are expected to arrive, given that in recent years, many clubs have already come to poach talent from La Masia. Watch this space…
