Real Madrid ready to rival Man City and Liverpool for €70m-rated Juventus star - report

Real Madrid are preparing for important changes at the back this summer, and one name is quickly moving to the top of their shortlist.

According to Fichajes, Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso has emerged as a serious target as Los Blancos look to reshape their defensive structure.

With Ferland Mendy expected to leave and uncertainty surrounding other defensive roles, Madrid want to strengthen both flanks with players who can guarantee performance at the highest level.

Cambiaso, now 26, is viewed as the perfect competitor for Alvaro Carreras, creating depth and balance in wide defensive areas.

A much-needed signing

Cambiaso’s potential arrival would also soften the impact of outgoing players.

As such, Fran Garcia’s future remains uncertain, while Dani Carvajal, a club legend and long-serving figure in the dressing room, is set to close his chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

This is why Real Madrid want to refresh the full-back department without lowering standards.

What makes Cambiaso especially attractive is not just his consistency in Serie A, but his tactical flexibility, as he can operate comfortably on both the left and right sides.

In modern football, that versatility is gold.

This quality becomes even more important considering the heavy rotation required this season.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to play a demanding role, Madrid are looking for a reliable alternative who can step in seamlessly.

There is competition

However, Real Madrid face stiff competition, as Manchester City and Liverpool have also shown interest.

His performances this season, particularly under pressure, have elevated his status across Europe and he is now considered one of the most complete full-backs available on the market.

Furthermore, negotiations will not be simple as well, as Juventus have reportedly placed a release clause in the region of €60 million to €70 million on Cambiaso.

For Madrid, if they want to secure a versatile, prime-age full-back capable of contributing immediately, Cambiaso represents one of the strongest options available.

But landing him will require both financial commitment and swift action in a competitive race.

Former Real Madrid forward Javier Saviola has shared his honest assessment of Franco Mastantuono’s start in Spain, urging patience as the young Argentine adapts to life at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Speaking to AS, Saviola mainly discussed Madrid’s upcoming Champions League clash with Benfica, but he also took time to analyse his fellow countryman’s development.

The parallels between their careers are clear, as both left River Plate at a young age to join European giants.

Reflecting on that similarity, Saviola explained,

“Yes. We both arrived very young from River Plate at a big European club. He hasn’t quite delivered everything that’s expected of him, but it’s his first year.

“In Spain, La Liga is very different from what is played in South America. We have to wait for him to finish his adaptation and evolution process because he has a lot of quality.

“That explosion will come, I have no doubt. I have faith that he will give a lot to Madrid,” he began saying.

Comparisons with Lamine Yamal

The former striker believes the demands of Spanish football require time and adjustment, especially for young South American talents. For Saviola, the keyword is patience.

Inevitably, comparisons have already begun, particularly with Lamine Yamal. When asked whether Mastantuono could reach that level, Saviola was cautious about drawing direct parallels.

“That comparison works against Mastantuono because Lamine didn’t need a period of adaptation.

“I had him in Barça’s youth team and you could already see that he was different, that his personality was not normal.

“That analogy is complicated for Franco at the moment, but when he completes the process, we’ll see what version he offers.

“When I arrived at Barcelona at the age of 19, Zidane was at Madrid. Someone tried to compare us and I laughed because the Frenchman was an animal on the field.

“Those comparisons are not good.”

What next for Mastantuno?

He stated that talent should be allowed to grow naturally, without the pressure of unrealistic expectations.

Looking ahead, Saviola outlined what he believes Mastantuono can offer once fully settled at Madrid.

“He’s a very direct player. He can give a lot as a winger. In one-on-one situations, he can be strong, and he’ll have to evolve in his approach to the opponent’s goal and in his finishing.

“He’s going to refine the details, and hopefully that explosion will come soon because he can give a lot more.

“When he adapts and has continuity, he’ll be the player Madrid is waiting for,” he concluded.

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