They have joined the race for Willian
As well all know by now, Manchester United have been chasing Willian this summer, as José Mourinho searches for a natural wide player to shuttle up and down the wing for 90 minutes, offering very little other than a high work rate.
But they may face some tough competition for the Brazilian’s signature now that Real Madrid have entered the race to sign him.
Madrid made no secret of their interest in Eden Hazard, and the admiration was reciprocated but Chelsea’s asking price of £200m proved an obstacle that could not be overcome.
Madrid consequently decided to base their team around Isco next season, with Cristiano Ronaldo gone after he signed for Juventus. But they are still in the market for a winger and are reportedly interested in Willian.
According to the Mail, Madrid are ‘seriously considering’ a double bid of £100m for Willian and Thibaut Courtois. They have been admirers of the Belgian goalkeeper for a long time and are hoping that this is the summer they can bring him back to the Spanish capital, after he spent three seasons on loan from Chelsea at Atlético Madrid between 2011 and 2014.
Willian’s role at Real Madrid would be one of support from the bench, offering pace and directness in the latter stages of games. Gareth Bale and Marco Asnesio will likely start from the wings under Julen Lopetegeui but Willian could be an effective weapon from the bench.
Between the sticks, Keylor Navas has been a more than satisfactory goalkeeper for Real Madrid, but they have been keen to upgrade on the Costa Rican for a few years. Several failed attempts to sign David De Gea later, they seem desperate to sign Courtois, but he won’t come cheaply.
A bid of £100m might not even be enough to persuade Chelsea to part with the duo, with so little time left in the window to replace them.
