Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Juventus star Rodrigo Bentancur as they look to bolster their midfield unit in the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid are considering a raid on Serie A title holders Juventus for the transfer of Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur in the summer.
The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Argentine giants Boca Juniors before making the switch to Juventus in the summer of 2017. Over the course of his spell in Turin, Bentancur has gradually grown into a key first-team member, racking up 150 appearances in which he has scored three goals and registered 15 assists.
Bentancur has been pretty much an ever-present in the starting XI under Andrea Pirlo this season, featuring in 40 games across all competitions, chipping in with four assists. While there have been some subpar displays along the way, the 23-year-old has enjoyed the backing of the manager and sees his stock remain up high, as indicated by the interest from Real Madrid in his services.
Real Madrid, heading into the summer transfer window, are in need of a squad revamp across all departments barring the goalkeeping position. Midfield is one area where urgent reinforcements are required as Luka Modric is in the twilight of his career while Toni Kroos is also into his thirties. With Casemiro not having any viable backup and the future of Isco in serious doubt, a new midfielder would be a welcome addition at the club.
To that end, Real Madrid have been linked with a host of central midfielders, most recently Gabriel Menino of Palmeiras. And now, as per the aforementioned report, Bentancur has popped up on the Merengues’ radar as a possible option to bolster their midfield unit. The 23-year-old is someone who can operate in multiple roles in the middle of the park, making him a viable target for the La Liga champions.
Add to it, Bentancur, aged 23, would make him a long-term signing for Zinedine Zidane & co., while already boasting a wealth of experience at the top level of European football. Bentancur’s contract with Juventus runs till the summer of 2024. With the Bianconeri in a bit of a financial lurch as well, Real Madrid could possibly snare the 33-time capped Uruguayan international away with an attractive offer.
It remains to be seen if Los Blancos persist with their interest in Bentancur ahead of the summer transfer window or look at alternatives such as Inter Milan’s Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.