Real Madrid are reportedly considering a summer move for Rodrigo De Paul, who is valued at around €30 million by Udinese.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid have set their sights on Rodrigo De Paul as a possible low-cost solution for their midfield. The Argentine international is valued at around €30 million by Udinese.
Rodrigo De Paul has previously had a stint in La Liga with Valencia, but a two-year spell was largely unproductive before he joined Udinese in the summer of 2016. Over the past half-a-decade or so, the 26-year-old has progressed considerably, becoming a pivotal figure for Le Zebrette while also becoming the club captain this season.
The ongoing campaign has been a solid one for De Paul, who has 6 goals and as many assists in 26 Serie A outings. His progress has been duly noted as well, with some of the biggest clubs in the world being linked with the Argentine international, one of those being Real Madrid.
Real Madrid appear to be in need of bolstering their midfield ahead of the summer transfer window considering two of the pillars of their success in the past decade or so – Toni Kroos and Luka Modric – are on the wrong side of 30. Modric, in particular, has entered the twilight of his career and Los Blancos need to identify a long-term successor soon.
To that end, Eduardo Camavinga, who has been reported to be closing in on joining Real Madrid, is believed to be the priority target for Zinedine Zidane. However, the cost of the operation to sign the Frenchman could be excessive and restrictive for Real Madrid, who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic amid the refurbishment of the Santiago Bernabeu.
If that is indeed the case then another target – Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – could be beyond reach. Now, though, an economical alternative in De Paul has been presented, with Udinese only likely to demand up €30 million to part ways with the Argentine international.
Having said that, Zidane might also have to grapple with the problem of returning loanees like Martin Odegaard, Dani Ceballos and Takefusa Kubo, and a problem of plenty could present him in the summer. Nevertheless, it looks like De Paul could be targeted as a versatile solution, not only in midfield but also in attack, and it remains to be seen if a summer move can be completed.