Real Madrid and Barcelona will take their rivalry into the transfer market, courtesy of two mutual targets at central defence.
Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is ready to leave the club at the end of this season in search of a new challenge, as per claims. The World Cup winner’s potential departure is going to be a massive loss for the Whites as he is one of the world’s best defenders and has formed a formidable partnership alongside Sergio Ramos over the last few years.
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The Merengues have identified Milan Skriniar as a backup to the France international. Initially their target was Matthijs de Ligt, but with the Ajax Amsterdam captain probably heading to Barcelona, it does look like Real Madrid will be playing its cards on the Inter Milan central defender who is a wanted man across Europe.
The Inter Milan board values Milan Skriniar at 80 million euros, and the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus are all ready to spend that kind of money along with Real Madrid and seemingly also Barcelona. Moreover, the Slovakia international is looking to taste new pastures and does have a winner’s mentality instilled in him.
As per reports, the competition for his signatures is now just between Real Madrid and Barcelona, both of who consider Matthijs de Ligt to be of greater priority. Despite Eder Militao’s signing, the Merengues are looking for a replacement to Raphael Varane, and potentially even Sergio Ramos who is ageing, Barcelona’s choice is similar.
The Catalans already have two fully fledged central defenders in Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet, but they want to sign either one of de Ligt or Skriniar in order to ask Samuel Umtiti to leave the club. The former Lyon defender has had too many injury issues of late and shown no signs of constant recovery. However, signing either one of them will only see Barcelona cramming their defence, thanks to the already confirmed arrival of Jean-Clair Todibo.
Between Real Madrid and Barcelona, who need a central defender more urgently?