After failing to land Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid will turn to Raheem Sterling in the summer, per latest reports.
First it was a rejected €230 million bid by Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Then it was a rejection of a £110 million sign-on bonus and a £20 million-per-annum salary amongst other benefits by Mbappe.
Los Blancos’ biggest dream has become a nightmare after hinging all their hopes on the failed deal.
Now, the club is desperate for a big name signing and have identified Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling as the replacement they need to get ahead of the summer transfer market opening.
Sterling has been a fervent servant of Man City’s since he joined them from Liverpool in 2015 for £49 million. After Pep Guardiola came to the club, his role evolved into an indispensable player but somehow, he was unable to nail a starting spot in the last few seasons.
He has been reported to be considering his future and a move to Spain has been on his list. Barcelona were reported to be interested in him then and have also been recently reported to have contacted him again ahead of the upcoming window.
The Daily Star, however, claims that Barcelona may see some competition from Madrid, as Los Blancos are plotting a £50 million bid for Sterling, who they have admired for a long time.
The signing of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez could affect the Englishman’s chances at City next season and so a move for Sterling is not too far-fetched.
It remains to be seen, however, if City will allow him to go, as his current City contract expires in 2023. It also remains to be seen if Sterling will choose Madrid over Barcelona, as the 27-year-old forward is said to be a fan of the Catalan club.
Madrid have also been linked to Liverpool’s two key men, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Madrid go closer in Tchouameni signing
Madrid have also been reported to be closer to the signing of French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The 22-year-old AS Monaco midfielder is considered by the club to be the best like-for-like replacement for Casemiro, whose position in the club has no direct replacement.
Before Monday, it was all talks with the midfielder but after the Mbappe saga, it is understood that the club have rearranged their priorities and have approached Monaco with an official offer for their youngster.
Liverpool also entered the fray for Tchouameni to further complicate things for Madrid, leading to them presenting an offer to Monaco.
It remains to be seen what the outcome of Madrid’s bold move will be.
