Real Madrid are interested in signing Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia but face stiff competition for the player’s signature according to the reports.
Los Blancos are on the look out for a tough tackling central man following the departure of Sami Khedira to Juventus and have identified the Frenchman as the ideal replacement, Madrid-based daily AS says.
The 21-year-old has impressed many this season and his was particularly notable in the Champions League, scoring against Arsenal in the last-16 as the Ligue 1 side knocked the Gunners out. The FA Cup winners are thought to be keen on the star too, along with Premier League side Manchester United, who want to bolster their squad after returning to the Champions League having missed out last season.
Reports suggest interested parties will need to stump up around 35 million euros for Kondogbia, who is looking to cement his place in the France starting eleven ahead of the European Championships in his home country next summer.
Along with Kondogbia, new Merengues boss Rafa Benitez is said to be looking at a number of world class players to fill the void left by Khedira’s absence, with Juventus and Chile man Arturo Vidal also believed to be on Real’s shortlist.
Kondogbia will be the dark horse, the monster Madrid needs in a double pivot of 4-2-3-1.
He’s a great CDM/CM with great defensive abilities and also makes those rare runs forward with flair.
Plus he wouldn’t be as expensive as Verrati, Vidal or Pogba (very overrated atleast for now)
He will be the man who can sit deep and do all the dirty works so the midfield partner can do the playmaking role without defensive duties.
Kondogbia is an amazing tackling machine. He will be a perfect central defender for Real’s kind of fast, attacking pace that often leaves defence line open to counter attack. With his occasional runs, Kondogbia can also give bite to the attack when necessary.
He is young, energetic and has plenty of playing years ahead. Combining with experienced defender like Ramos would help lift pressure off the defence.
He is a good deal.
He is a great player and I hope he signs for Madrid. Haha Madrid