Real Madrid will reportedly look to engineer a part-exchange deal with Sevilla that will involve Jules Kounde and Mariano Diaz.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Sevilla cannot afford Mariano Diaz’s price tag and are looking for a solution to sign the out-of-favour Real Madrid forward. To that end, the Merengues are proposing a part-exchanging deal involving Jules Kounde, with the final details being a sticking point for the two clubs.
Jules Kounde has established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux over two years ago. The 23-year-old centre-back’s swift progress at the Andalusian club captured the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Mariano Diaz has struggled to make an impression since rejoining Real Madrid from Lyon in August 2018. This season, te 28-year-old has barely featured for Los Blancos, raking in just two appearances thus far while chipping in with one assist. However, despite being a bit-part player, Mariano has plenty of suitors, including Sevilla.
Recent reports have indicated that Los Nervionenses are closing in on signing Mariano from Real Madrid. However, according to El Nacional, Sevilla cannot afford the €20 million price tag demanded by the current La Liga leaders, forcing them to seek an alternative solution.
Real Madrid could propose one such solution, as they are demanding Jules Kounde as part of the deal, albeit by paying Sevilla an additional sum in the process. However, therein lies the next sticking point, as the Andalusian giants are demanding €60 million in cash payment in addition to the exchange.
On the other hand, Real Madrid will only offer €35 million as cash payment, and they consider the €60 million demand excessive. That the 23-year-old is a viable target for Real Madrid goes without saying, as there is a shortage of quality in the central defensive unit beyond Eder Militao and David Alaba.
As for Sevilla, Mariano could be a key signing amid the inconsistencies of Munir El Haddadi. However, with Real Madrid unwilling to meet Sevilla’s €60 million demands, it remains to be a seen if a part-exchange deal sees the light of the day, especially with Chelsea also in the running to sign Kounde.