Real Madrid hold transfer talks with prolific ex-PSG striker amid injury crisis

Updated: 25 Nov 2023 15:08 GMT
3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Real Madrid are outlining strikers to consider signing in January after suffering an injury crisis to their front line and the agent of one of their potential targets has confirmed talks are underway with his client.

The La Liga giants have been using loanee veteran Joselu as their sole specialised striker this season, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior also filling in up front despite preferring to play out wide.

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However, injuries to Rodrygo, Vinicius and top scorer Jude Bellingham has left Carlo Ancelotti turning to the youth team for reinforcements and Real may now look to sign a temporary replacement in January, having initially suggested that they would not bring anyone in.

And the search for a striker appears to have already begun, with the agent of Mauro Icardi claiming that he was in Madrid holding talks with Real over a transfer for the Galatasaray star, although no bid had been made yet.

Elio Letterio Pino told Turkish outlet Fanatik: “There is still no official offer. I'm in Madrid right now (yesterday). Real Madrid has not made any offer for Icardi. They have not made an official offer yet. But we are talking to those responsible for Real Madrid.

“I will go to Istanbul on Monday to meet with Erden Timur, vice president of Galatasaray. I will watch the Galatasaray versus Manchester United Champions League match on Wednesday. Of course, I will also spend time with Mauro. I cannot say anything more for now.”

Real deny interest in Icardi

Icardi has been prolific in Turkey ever since joining Galatasaray from Paris Saint-Germain last year, initially on loan before the move was made permanent for €10 million this summer.

The 30-year-old has 32 goals in 36 domestic games for Gala and is the joint-top scorer in the Super Lig as well as scoring five times in eight Champions League matches this season.

© ProShots - Mauro Icardi has turned out for PSG and Inter, among other sides

However, despite the confirmation of talks, Guillermo Rai of The Athletic revealed that Real have made it clear that they are not interested in Icardi.

Real have been offered the player but they will likely hold out until closer to the January window before making a formal decision on any potential signings, having been linked to the likes of Youssoufa Moukoko and Marcos Leonardo too.