Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing German international Julian Draxler as a possible alternative to Eden Hazard, their priority summer target.
According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, Real Madrid are keeping their options open in their bid to bolster attack in the summer transfer window. Eden Hazard remains their priority. But, Los Blancos are now considering German international Julian Draxler, who has a €40 million price tag.
The European champions are in the market for attacking reinforcements after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. While the stature of the Portuguese superstar will unlikely be replaced, Real Madrid are in dire straits as far goalscoring prowess in their current squad is concerned.
Several superstars have been linked with Real Madrid as possible Ronaldo replacements, with Eden Hazard the favourite at the present moment. But, a PSG forward has now emerged as a possible alternative to the Chelsea talisman. And, it’s a name that not many would have expected.
Thus far, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are the obvious names that have been linked with possible moves to Real Madrid. But, Real Madrid have categorically gone on to deny any interest in either player. The latest PSG player reportedly on their radar is Julian Draxler.
Draxler has seen his career go pear shaped since joining PSG from Wolfsburg in January, 2017. While he did enjoy a fine start to his stint at Parc des Princes, the arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe last summer pushed the German international down the pecking order.
The player managed just 29 starts across all competitions, and the mood remained sombre during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Germany and Draxler were ousted in the group stage. However, despite his struggles, he seems to be in demand in the transfer market. The shock suitors though, are Real Madrid.
In comparison to the likes of Hazard, Neymar and Mbappe, Draxler is a rather uninspiring target. While he was very highly rated during his formative years, the German international hasn’t shown the mettle needed to succeed at Real Madrid, let alone replace Ronaldo.
His record in senior level club football also leaves much to be desired, with Draxler boasting a paltry tally of 53 goals and 51 assists in 287 games combined for Schalke, Wolfsburg and PSG. Thus, it seems quite surprising that Real Madrid could turn to the 24-year-old as a possible alternative to Hazard.
But, Los Blancos will only make a move for the German international if their pursuit of Hazard runs into troubled waters. If they do decide to turn their attention towards Draxler, Real Madrid will have to pay around €40 million for him, which is a rather steep amount considering his stature at PSG.
Hazard still remains the top priority for Real Madrid, with the player himself hinting towards a possible move to the Bernabeu. It will now be interesting to see if the European champions succeed in their pursuit of the Chelsea superstar, or if they end up having to set their sights on Draxler.