Real Madrid are currently focusing their efforts on two key midfield targets: Florian Wirtz and Franco Mastantuono, claims a report from Daniel Peinado in AS.

The journalist suggests that while other potential options like Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi have been mentioned, Wirtz remains the primary target, with the club also keeping a close eye on Mastantuono.

The situation with Wirtz has become more complex in recent weeks. After months of speculation about a potential move from Bayer Leverkusen, it now seems that the German is set to remain with the Bundesliga club for the foreseeable future.

Wirtz’s signing is difficult
Recent reports suggest that Wirtz will sign a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen, extending his stay at the club until at least the summer of 2028.

Despite this, Real Madrid are not giving up on their pursuit of the talented midfielder. He is still seen as a top priority, and his situation will likely be closely monitored by the club.

At the same time, Bayern Munich and Manchester City also remain interested in securing his services, making the competition fierce for Wirtz.

What about Mastantuono?

On the other hand, Mastantuono, the River Plate star, is one of the most highly sought-after young talents in football.

Real Madrid are not the only club tracking his progress; rivals Barcelona, as well as top European sides like Liverpool and AC Milan, are all keen on the Argentine midfielder.

While Madrid have been keeping a close watch on Mastantuono, they have yet to make a formal move. This cautious approach suggests that the club may be waiting for the right moment to act, allowing them more time to assess the player’s development.

In conclusion, Real Madrid’s midfield targets for the near future remain Wirtz and Mastantuono. Although Wirtz’s move seems less likely in the short term, Madrid continue to keep him on their radar.

As for Mastantuono, he remains one of the hottest young prospects in world football, and it seems only a matter of time before one of Europe’s giants makes their move for him.

According to a report from Foot Mercato, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are both leading in the race to sign Olympique Lyonnais’ Rayan Cherki (21).

The France youth international was ostracised at the start of the season amid a contract standoff. His contract had been set to expire at the end of the season, however, ultimately, he extended by a further year, allowing his re-integration. He has since gone on to net five goals and register seven assists in 17 matches. Since breaking through as a teenager, this is his first consistent patch of form.

However, the Frenchman may leave the club in January. Whilst OL are reportedly keen to retain Cherki, they may have little choice in the matter. Lyon are being forced to raise funds this January following a provisional relegation to Ligue 2. Selling assets, such as Cherki, will prevent that fate, even if other, more peripheral figures have been touted for departures.

Whilst Cherki is reportedly keen to see out the season with his formative club, the matter will be taken out of his hands should a club meet OL’s €30m price tag. As per Foot Mercato, Liverpool and PSG are most keen to recruit the attacker in January although Get French Football News understands that Les Parisiens will not return for Cherki, having been snubbed by the player in the summer.

Ruben Amorim is expected to make a left back’s signing his top priority at Manchester United in 2025. Though Tyrell Malacia has been fit for a few weeks, the Portuguese has opted in favour of Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui in the position, whereas the less said about Luke Shaw’s fitness for the last year or two, the better.

According to Spanish outlet MARCA, the Red Devils are pondering over a transfer for Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. The 27-year-old has earned a name for himself under Marco Silva this season and after some brilliant performances for the Cottagers, he has been linked with the Premier League’s bigger sides, including Chelsea and Liverpool.

If the interested parties materialise their interest in Robinson, Fulham would understandably find it hard to hold onto him for much longer though he will not be available on the cheap either. The American international’s contract at Craven Cottage runs until June 2028 and he would command a decent amount, possibly more so than his valuation of £23 million on Transfermarkt.

United will hold upper hand
Manchester United are likely to hold the upper hand when it comes to beating Chelsea and Liverpool for Antonee Robinson’s potential purchase from Fulham next year.

Chelsea have Marc Cucurella who has been playing very well this season apart from the odd error or two. The Spaniard has been solid defensively and that seems like a characteristic that Enzo Maresca will value more than the offensive game given that the Blues like to defend deep and compactly.

On the other hand, Liverpool have Andy Robertson and though he is past 30, the Scotsman has a few more years under his belt. It seems unforeseen for Arne Slot to do away with him in the near future, so Robinson’s playing time at Anfield would be restricted. Plus, a left-back is unlikely to be a priority for the Reds.

Man United, meanwhile, will be willing to pay a reasonable fee to bring Robinson in and can guarantee him a starting role. As a wing back, his attacking gameplay would be an asset for the Red Devils and Amorim would also get his hands on a player that has a few years’ experience in the Premier League.

A transfer for Robinson in January is unlikely, however, with Fulham pursuing a top-half finish in the Premier League. If he does continue performing for the second half of the campaign though, he will have plenty of suitors in the summer.