Real Madrid have reportedly made a fresh enquiry for AS Roma and Italy left-back Leonardo Spinazzola after his return from a long injury layoff.
According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Real Madrid have rekindled their interest in AS Roma left-back Leonardo Spinazzola and have lodged an enquiry over his availability in the summer transfer window.
Spinazzola came through the youth ranks at Juventus but spent the majority of his time with the Bianconeri out on loan. Indeed, the 29-year-old had temporary spells with Siena, Empoli, Virtus Lanciano, Atalanta, Vicenza, and Perugia before moving to Roma permanently in 2019.
After joining the Italian capital outfit, Spinazzola has nailed down the left-back spot for himself and has made 75 appearances for Roma, bagging four goals and 11 assists in the process. At the same time, the defender is also a regular for the Italian national team and has collected 19 caps for the Azzurri.
Spinazzola was in fine form for Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 last year before a serious knee injury abruptly ended his campaign. But the 29-year-old played a huge role in the early stages of the competition before his injury as Roberto Mancini’s side went on to win the trophy.
Having undergone surgery on his injured knee, Spinazzola was out of action for over ten months and made his return for Roma only last month, playing four games in all competitions. The 29-year-old also made his return for Italy earlier this week in their Finalissima 2022 loss against Argentina.
Real Madrid had shown an interest in Spinazzola last summer, prior to his injury. Now that he has returned to full fitness and is back in action, the Spanish and European champions have reignited their pursuit of the 29-year-old Italian international and have made enquiries to learn about his current situation.
Real Madrid will likely enter the market for a new left-back this summer as they prepare to bid adieu to club icon Marcelo. The 34-year-old will be out of contract at the end of this month and could be moving to Turkey, amid interest from Fenerbahce. His departure would leave Ferland Mendy as the only option at left-back as Carlo Ancelotti tended to use David Alaba as a centre-back this past season.
But, with Real Madrid confirming the signing of Antonio Rudiger, there is a possibility that Alaba could return to his natural left-back slot. Despite that scenario, Los Blancos continue to hold an interest in Spinazzola and have asked for information about the Italian’s condition and availability.
Spinazzola’s contract with Roma expires in 2024, and it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid take their interest in him a step further and launch a move this summer.