“No contact”: Ligue 1 club president comments on Real Madrid’s links to 22-year-old striker | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s search for a striker has now extended to France as the club look to find the ideal backup for star-forward Karim Benzema.

In recent days, it has become increasingly clear that OGC Nice striker Amine Gouiri is a real option for the Spanish club. The 22-year-old is already one of the best forwards in Ligue 1 and has led from the front for his club in recent seasons.

Yet, the French club deny that there has been any approach from Real Madrid in their player. When OGC Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere was asked about the situation by Prime Video Sport France, he said:

“I heard these rumours just like you did. But they did not come to our office, I had no contacts with Real Madrid for Gouiri.”

Yet, it is normal in today’s football world for a club to deny an ongoing transfer operation. Such a move is beneficial to the selling party as it often pressurises the buyer to up their offer.

The 22-year-old striker was one of the strongest pillars for OGC Nice last season as he scored ten goals and provided nine assists in just 38 league appearances. He also found the back of the net twice in five Coupe De France appearances.

One factor that could prove to be important in the negotiations is that Real Madrid are prepared to loan the player back to Nice for one season, as reported by SPORT. As it stands, the French club want at least €40 million for their star striker.

The other options on the table for Carlo Ancelotti include Benjamin Sesko, Jonathan Burkardt and Iker Bravo. Yet, there is little doubt that Gouiri is more experienced and proven than his competitors.