All eyes are on Real Madrid as they look to sign a replacement for star forward Karim Benzema who recently sealed a move to Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The French star’s sudden decision has pretty much left Madrid’s transfer plans in tatters and they need to act swiftly to sign a replacement for him.
Following Benzema’s departure, the La Liga giants were linked with several big names. Media reports suggested that they might sign the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. The footballing world definitely expects the 14-time Champions League winner to replace Benzema with a big name.
But according to media reports, the Madrid-based outfit has decided against pursuing Kane or Mbappe ahead of the upcoming season. As per Spanish sports radio Cope, Real Madrid are instead looking to sign former Stoke City player Joselu.
Real Madrid interested in former Stoke City player:
The Spanish forward plied his trade for Stoke for two seasons from 2015 to 2017 but failed to make an impact. He played 27 times for Stoke in 2015–16 season and managed to score only four goals as the team finished in ninth position.
After flopping at Stoke, he signed for Newcastle after a loan move with Deportivo and managed seven goals in 57 games at St James Park. And he finally rediscovered himself when he sealed a move to Spain with Alaves before signing for Espanyol. Joselu scored 17 goals in 38 matches last season and has managed to make Real Madrid take interest in him.
Along with the potential addition of Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s transfer business for the summer window is expected to conclude with the signing of Joselu. Cope and Real Madrid TV presenter Melchor Ruiz tweeted: “Real Madrid is not going to make any offer this summer to Kylian Mbappe because it knows that Kylian wants to complete his remaining year at PSG.
“And they are not going to sign Harry Kane either. RM only intends to sign, in addition to Fran Garcia, Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham, Joselu,” he added.