Aymeric Laporte, Spain defender
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid rebuild has been largely defined by aggressive spending this summer, and the Portuguese is not done yet, with another centre-back firmly on his agenda.
Among the names to have been floated is Aymeric Laporte, fresh off a commanding World Cup campaign with Spain.
But a move for the veteran looks anything but simple.
Aymeric Laporte, Spain defender
Laporte has had a brilliant World Cup campaign. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
According to Diario AS, Athletic Club have no desire to offload the star defender for cheap, valuing Laporte at his €80 million release clause and refusing to entertain anything less.
Interestingly, the concrete interest so far has come from Barcelona rather than Real Madrid, with Deco having enquired directly.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, have been mentioned only as admirers, with no formal approach made. Athletic’s response to Barcelona was emphatic, and there is little reason to think Real Madrid would receive a different answer.
Laporte’s performances in Spain’s triumph have driven his value up considerably. His understanding with Pau Cubarsi anchored the meanest defence in World Cup history, and at 32, he still has two years left on the deal he signed upon returning to San Mames last summer.
Aymeric Laporte, Spain defender
Laporte’s age-profile does not suit Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
From Real Madrid’s perspective, the case against a move is a compelling one.
Having already reshaped their backline with the arrivals of Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries, the squad is far from short of defensive bodies.
Mourinho may want one more centre-back, but sanctioning €80 million for a player the wrong side of 30 sits awkwardly with the profile of signings the club has otherwise pursued this window, most of whom are in their prime or younger.
Negotiating with Athletic is another task, for any club in Europe. The Basque outfit are notoriously stubborn in the market, rarely selling below clause value, which makes any deal both costly and drawn-out.
Not to mention, Real Madrid have already turned down this exact opportunity once earlier this summer, largely due to his age profile. It is unlikely Los Blancos would like to revisit their interest.
Vinicius Jr., Brazil and Real Madrid player
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
While Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid continue to be at economic odds over the terms of a renewal, the club’s demand and insistence on a take-it-or-leave-it offer make it clear that bridges are slowly but surely breaking.
All efforts will be taken towards preserving the cordial relations the two parties have enjoyed over the years, but it will require one or both to compromise on their stance.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have stolen the opportunity and entered as a powerful force looking to swoop the player away. They are willing to alter their salary structure to accommodate Vinicius, and have been growing as an option in recent days.
Now, as confirmed by Rodra on ESPN (h/t The
Madrid Zone), Arsenal have decided to go all-in for the Brazilian winger and have placed him as a top and dream target.
Arsenal are going all-in. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
It is not just Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta who want the player in London.
Rather, the owners of the club are now directly involved and see the magnitude of the opportunity that has presented itself to them. The interest is now directly from the owners.
Arsenal will, thus, do everything in their power to sign Vinicius this summer and are going 100% all in. There is no more room for any hesitation or dilemma.
As reported last night, the ownership group of Arsenal FC have officially given the green light to fund the massive transfer, thereby permitting the administration to proceed with going for the kill.
Vinicius Jr. of Brazil
The saga must end soon. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Given that the player has less than a year left on his contract, the move can be pulled off for a sum lower than Vinicius’ massive market value, but it is expected to be well above the €100 million mark in any case. Even that sum would be a bargain for a player of his calibre.
The bigger economic investment for Arsenal, however, will be the player’s salary and signing-on bonus.
Vinicius will undoubtedly push for higher wages than he is earning in Madrid with some reports claiming he wants to double it. Further, he and his agents will command a significant signing bonus.