Real Madrid: Zidane wants to sign Bayern star this summer?

There has been plenty of smoking linking Bayern Munich defender David Alaba to Real Madrid, and it sounds like Zinedine Zidane is indeed interested in acquiring the long-time Bundesliga star.

Since returning to Bayern Munich in 2011-2012 from a loan at TSG Hoffenheim, David Alaba has been a fixture in the lineup for Die Roten. However, Alaba reportedly wants a new contract and is seeking a big move to La Liga, with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona interested.

It’s been unclear how interested Los Blancos are in the 27-year-old defender, who seems to be eyeing a move back to center midfield, which may be his best position at this stage. Alaba hasn’t been playing left back for Bayern lately, as he spent the 2019-2020 season as a center back due to injuries, flourishing in a role key to Die Roten’s build-up play.

According to a report from BILD, via José Carlos Menzel of AS, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is mutually interested in the Austrian star and “sees him in his side”.

That said, Bayern “won’t give in to the pressure” so easily.

AS note that Alaba’s agent is the same agent who tried, unsuccessfully, to push Robert Lewandowski to move to Real in the past. Since Alaba seems to be targeting either a big move to La Liga and away from Bayern or more money from his current club, it will be interesting to see if his agent is successful.

Alaba would not be a regular starter for Los Blancos, but he could play at a number of positions. With left back loaded up, Alaba would be a key defensive presence and deep playmaker at center back or in the midfield, where he could also play in a box-to-box role. His versatility likely intrigues Zidane, and if the manager sees a place for the 27-year-old in his rotation, then a deal could get done.

Alaba won’t come cheap, though, so there may be better, younger options for Real Madrid to pursue. But if both parties want a move and Bayern relent at a fair price, anything can happen.