Real Madrid could include €35 million-rated defender in Harry Kane operation | OneFootball

Following the departure of Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad, Real Madrid have stepped up their efforts to sign a new forward ahead of the new season.

Harry Kane was reportedly earmarked as the club’s desired target in the transfer market. But signing the Englishman could bring some complications, possibly affecting the club’s plans to go big on Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland in the summer of 2024.

With that in mind, Real Madrid are scouring the market for other alternatives. They have been linked with a move for Richarlison, among others.

The Brazilian, who had worked with Carlo Ancelotti during their time at Everton, has even reacted to the Santiago Bernabeu links in a recent press conference, suggesting he would love to wear the Real Madrid shirt.

“Real Madrid links? Of course, every player wants to wear the shirt of Real Madrid, it’s the biggest club in the world,” Richarlison said in the presser.

However, the Brazilian international clarified that he has a contract at Tottenham Hotspur, adding, “But I have a club, a contract, I have to prove why it they bought me for a high price. But any player dreams of playing for Real Madrid.”

Formerly of Watford, Richarlison has scored only one goal during his first season at Spurs. He had joined the club last summer for a fee of almost €60 million, but the attacker has not been able to live up to his price tag.

The Brazilian, therefore, is keen on proving himself at Spurs before he can make the jump to a bigger club such as Real Madrid. However, the forward would perhaps not want to miss out on the opportunity to join Los Blancos this summer, if given the chance.

To that end, Real Madrid have not made any notable moves to sign Richarlison this summer. It appears the club are favouring a move for Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani, in their bid to sign a cost-effective alternative for Harry Kane.