Real Madrid’s business is not done yet, at least that is what the news suggests. Even after signing four players, there could still be more. In the transfer window, we are taught to never say never.
Los Blancos have declared their squad complete for the upcoming season, and it does look balanced. But a few more additions here and there would not hurt anyone. After all, everyone loves a bit more depth, no?
Departures are also not ruled out, except for Dani Ceballos. The midfielder was all set to move to Marseille, but something changed his mind at the last moment, making him halt negotiations and decide otherwise. After all the fuss, he now seems to be staying.
The midfield looks stacked, with plenty of starters who will battle it out for places, which should be healthy for Madrid. The forward department also seems decently managed.
The doubts, however, are in defense. The wounds from the humiliation at the hands of Paris Saint Germain in the Club World Cup are still fresh, and the reliability of many defenders remains in question. Another center-back signing on a surprise move could prove useful.
Real Madrid to challenge Arsenal in pursuit of young French defender
According to exclusive information provided by journalist Santi Aouna to MadridXtra, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Rennes center-back Jeremy Jacquet. Arsenal are also interested in the 20-year-old, as reported by Sacha Tavolieri last week.
At this stage, Madrid’s interest in Jacquet appears to be only preliminary. They are monitoring his progress, but no negotiations or offers have been reported, and I don’t think anything will develop before this window closes.
Jacquet only signed a four-year contract extension with Rennes in May, so prying him away now would be almost impossible unless a massive fee is paid, which I don’t believe Madrid should commit just yet.
The more likely scenario is Jacquet staying put for another season, which would give Madrid a year to properly assess the true condition of their defense.
For now, the most reliable names at the back remain three in my opinion: Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio, and Eder Militao. The rest have been far too inconsistent, producing exceptions far more often than one would reasonably allow.
That said, another centre-back could prove useful but I don’t see Jacquet’s signing happening just yet. It is too preliminary and farfetched to happen right now.