Real Madrid are eyeing Lautaro Martinez in case they fail to land Harry Kane.
Real are planning to invest heavily this summer. After winning the Copa del Rey but failing in the league and UEFA Champions League, they are hoping to repair their tattered pride. President Florentino Pérez is furious. According to Spanish media outlet Cadena Ser, Pérez was so disappointed with the team’s performance this season that he would invest more than €300 million ($417.6 million) in the summer alone.
The reported amount has since grown. According to Josep Pedrerol of Spanish outlet El Chiringito, Real will spend €400 million this summer alone.
Real’s “top priority target” is Kane. Since the departure of ‘ace’ Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia, Real have been looking for a replacement and have identified Kane as a possible candidate.
It’s a possibility. Kane has just one year left on his contract at Tottenham Hotspur, and there are no renewal issues yet. With Tottenham failing to qualify for European competition next season, it’s clear that Kane, with his desire to win trophies, has every incentive to make a move.
Real were aggressive. Spanish outlet Cadena Ser reported that “Real only want Kane” and Spanish outlet Marca said that “Real have accelerated their pursuit of Kane”.
Kane has responded to the interest from the ‘mega club’. According to transfer market pundit Rudi Galletti, Kane is interested in joining Real. “Real want to replace Benzema. The main target is Kane. There are talks between the club and the player. Kane’s contract expires in 2024 and he is interested in joining Real.” 스포츠토토
But it’s only a possibility. If chairman Daniel Levy remains stubborn, as he did during negotiations with Manchester City two years ago, the move may never happen. In fact, Tottenham still want £100 million for Kane, but Real are hesitant to pay that much for him. “Real are seriously considering whether Kane is worth the money,” according to Spanish outlet Copa.
So they have a plan B. They have a replacement in case they fail to sign Kane. Inter Milan’s UCL finalist, Lautaro, was the man. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Santi Auna wrote: “Lautaro could be Real’s choice if they fail to sign Kane. He is very highly regarded by the Real hierarchy.”
While not quite as good as Kane, Lautaro has also been in fine form this season. He scored 21 goals in the league alone, tying him with Victor Osimhen for top scorer, and 28 goals and 11 assists in cup competitions.