We can definitely expect Real Madrid to get some big business done before the close of the transfer window.
A club of Real Madrid’s size simply does not lose a talisman like Cristiano Ronaldo without bringing in a big-name replacement and the La Liga giants have made no secret of the fact that they consider Eden Hazard the ideal candidate to fill Ronaldo’s boots.
Earlier this week, Los Blancos launched a world record bid of €225 million for the Chelsea duo of Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, according to Spanish newspaper SPORT.
With Hazard apparently destined for a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, talk will now shift to Chelsea’s pursuit of a replacement.
According to the Times, new Blues boss Maurizio Sarri has identified Manchester United forward Anthony Martial as his top target if Hazard leaves Stamford Bridge.
Martial has reportedly rejected the offer of an improved contract from United, which would suggest that he is open to the idea of moving elsewhere in the pursuit of improved playing time, having missed out on a place in France’s World Cup-winning squad due to his limited opportunities for his club.
Bayern Munich are also interested in the 22-year-old but neither club is currently prepared to meet United’s £89.3 million (€100 million) valuation of Martial, who moved to Old Trafford in 2015.
While Jose Mourinho has recently suggested that he will start the Premier League season with Martial in the first team, the Frenchman’s agent sensationally revealed in June that his client wanted out of United.
“After thinking about all the possibilities and settings, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United,” Philippe Lamboley told RMC Sport.
“Anthony is sad about his situation at Manchester.
“He loves the club and the fans, he showed it for three years. Without the great support from the fans, he would have already asked to leave the club.”
