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Three low-cost centre-forwards Real Madrid could sign this summer

sportsmole.co.uk, 26 July 2023, 12:59
Real Madrid have brought in Joselu on loan from Espanyol this summer, but there is no question that they are still light in the final third of the field following the summer departures.

Mariano Diaz, Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard have all moved on, in addition to a certain Karim Benzema, who has left a huge hole in the squad with his surprise departure to Saudi Arabia.

Joselu has been signed, while Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti is said to be considering using Rodrygo primarily through the middle this season, but there is a clear gap in the squad.

Kylian Mbappe is widely expected to move to Real Madrid on a free transfer next year, but a switch this summer is unlikely despite the latest developments, with Paris Saint-Germain placing him up for sale.

As a result, Ancelotti's side could still be in the market for a low-cost centre-forward, and with that in mind, Sports Mole picks out three possible options.

Mehdi Taremi (Porto)

There have been suggestions that Taremi could be available for as little as be available for as little as €20m (£17m) this summer, which would make him a very attractive addition.

Manchester United have previously been linked with the Iran international, who scored 31 goals and registered 14 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for Porto during the 2022-23 campaign.

In total, he has represented his Portuguese side on 147 occasions, scoring 80 goals and registering 49 assists, and at 31, he still has plenty of years left in the tank.

Porto want to keep the forward, but he only has a contract until next summer, which has placed them in a difficult position this year.

Taremi would not be a long-term option for Real Madrid, but a player of his goalscoring prowess does not become available too often for a fair price, and he could be a very smart addition for the club.

Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

At this moment in time, it is seen as unlikely that Martial will leave Man United this summer, but the situation could change if two new forwards were to arrive at Old Trafford, which is not impossible.

The Frenchman is in line to feature in Wednesday's pre-season friendly between Man United and Real Madrid, having overcome a hamstring issue.

A move to Bernabeu would be controversial, but Martial would certainly be a very interesting option for Los Blancos, who might be willing to take a risk on him.

The 27-year-old found it difficult to make his mark during a loan spell at Sevilla in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign, only scoring once in 12 appearances, but he managed nine goals during an injury-hit 2022-23 season for Man United.

Martial has star quality, which Ancelotti may believe he could finally unlock, and it would be fascinating to see what he could achieve in the Spanish capital.

Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla)

En-Nesyri is widely expected to leave Sevilla this summer, with the club looking to raise funds due to their financial problems.

The Morocco international was in strong form for his Spanish club during the 2022-23 campaign, managing 18 goals and two assists in 48 appearances in all competitions.

En-Nesyri has scored 53 goals and registered five assists in his 155 appearances for Sevilla, while he has 53 goals and eight assists in 197 appearances in La Liga for Sevilla, Leganes and Malaga.

The 26-year-old would certainly provide a different threat for Real Madrid in the final third of the field and could potentially take on the role as an impact substitute.

En-Nesyri continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League, but he would be an interesting option for Los Blancos while the club seemingly wait for Mbappe to arrive.

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