Real Madrid working to sign €30 million-rated Serie A defensive ace | OneFootball

Real Madrid will look to reinforce the centre-back department in the summer in light of captain Nacho Fernandez’s impending departure.

While Rafa Marin is expected to have a first-team spot once he returns from loan at Deportivo Alaves, another young centre-back is sought by the Spanish capital club.

Leny Yoro of Lille has been identified as the priority target, but the French club’s demands for the 18-year-old could become an issue.

As such, it seems like alternatives are being lined up by the Merengues.

Real Madrid working to sign AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw

Indeed, as per German publication BILD, Real Madrid are working to sign AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw in the summer transfer window.

Thiaw has grown a great deal since joining Milan from Schalke back in the summer of 2022. Now an international footballer with Germany, the 22-year-old is a regular for the Rossoneri when fit and available.

Malick Thiaw on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

In a season hampered by injuries, Thiaw has featured 26 times for Milan in 2023/24, even managing to register an assist in the process.

As per the report, Thiaw’s market value has risen to €30 million during his time at Milan and Real Madrid have him on their list of targets for the summer.

The three-time capped German international’s contract with the Rossoneri runs until the summer of 2027. Whether the Italian giants would be willing to sell the young defender remains a big question mark.

As mentioned earlier though, Yoro is seen as the priority to reinforce the backline in the summer. But a move for the French teenager will be dictated by Lille’s asking price.

If things do not go as per plans there, Thiaw could be a fine alternative for Real Madrid.