© ProShots
Manchester City are preparing to enter into renewal talks with Erling Haaland in a bid to stave off interest from Real Madrid, according to The Telegraph.
The Norwegian striker’s current contract does not expire until 2027, but City are aware of transfer interest from Madrid as they continue to search for Karim Benzema’s replacement.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost Benzema to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad on a free transfer this summer and have yet to adequately replace him. Joselu arrived on loan from Espanyol, while Jude Bellingham began life in Spain as a number 10 behind Brazilian duo Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo. The England international has scored eight goals in Real Madrid games alone so far.
Despite Endrick’s arrival in 2024, Real Madrid have still been linked with signing an attacking superstar to replace Benzema’s departure.
Haaland has been widely reported to be a target, while Kylian Mbappé is the other star continually linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to The Telegraph, “Real have a long-term goal of bringing Haaland to the Spanish capital” after he decided to join City in 2022 despite interest from Los Blancos; However, Man City hope to combat Real’s desire to sign the Norwegian by tying him to a new long-term contract.
© ProShots – Erling Haaland, Man City
Domino effect
With Haaland getting closer to renewing his contract with City, his chances of joining Real Madrid have certainly taken a hit, something Pep Guardiola will be delighted about.
However, if the Norway international ends up signing a new contract in Manchester, Real Madrid’s transfer options will have diminished significantly. As a result, it will mean that Kylian Mbappe is even more likely to join the club.
The Frenchman turned down a free transfer to Real Madrid last summer but told Paris Saint-Germain that he will not sign an extension at the Parc des Princes. Therefore, he will be available on a free transfer next summer if he keeps his word and does not sign a new contract in Paris.
Kylian was heavily linked with an exit during the most recent transfer window and was even removed from first-team training after revealing he would not be signing a new contract; However, he has now reintegrated into the first-team set-up and featured in the shock 4-1 defeat against Newcastle on Wednesday. Mbappé was criticized for his performance at St James’ Park by the French media, which has only added fuel to rumors that he will leave PSG in 2024.
2023-10-06 14:25:03
#movement #brings #Mbappé #closer #Madrid
