Man City plot huge raid for Real Madrid duo linked with Arsenal, Man Utd
Manchester City are interested in Real Madrid pair Sergio Ramos and Isco, according to reports.
City have often looked to La Liga to strengthen their squad in recent years. For example, they signed Ferran Torres from Valencia in 2020, and Rodri from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Now, they are being linked with two of the Spanish top flight’s most in-demand players. Ramos and Isco could both be coming to the end of their spells with Real Madrid.
The Spanish duo both helped Madrid win the La Liga title last season. However, their long-term futures in the Spanish capital are in doubt.
Ramos is in the final few months of his contract at the Bernabeu. He would be happy to continue his association with the club, which has lasted more than 15 years, but is yet to agree terms for a new deal.
The centre-back wants a two-year extension to his contract. However, Real have a club policy to only offer one-year extensions to players over 30.
They could find a compromise for one of their biggest legends of all time, but there are also financial issues to contend with.
Madrid are trying to cut costs due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and want their players to reduce their salaries slightly. Ramos is one of their highest earners, though.
Hence, doubts remain over whether or not the club captain will stay in Madrid. Now that the January transfer window is open, he can sign a pre-contract agreement with any club outside Spain.
He has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Tottenham mentioned as potential suitors.
According to ESPN, Manchester City are another of the clubs monitoring his situation. They would be able to meet his wage demands and Pep Guardiola is an admirer.
City are said to have no concerns about Ramos’ age, even though he will be 35 years old by the end of the season. He is seen as a player with the right leadership qualities who is still performing at a high level.
The report claims a deal for Ramos would be “complicated” for City, but they still see him as an “interesting” option.
City expect Ramos to eventually renew his contract at the Bernabeu, but are on standby in case he does not and becomes a free agent.
Isco also on City wishlist
Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo claim that City are one of the contenders to take Isco away from the La Liga champions.
Isco seems much more likely to leave Madrid than Ramos. He has fallen out of favour under Zinedine Zidane and is on the lookout for more playing time elsewhere.
He has been mentioned as a target for Arsenal, who are looking for more creativity. However, there are multiple suitors for the attacking midfielder.
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According to Mundo Deportivo, Isco has told Real he wants to leave this month. City are one of his admirers, but so are Juventus and Napoli.
Isco’s preference, though, would be to stay in La Liga by joining Sevilla. That may be problematic, though, because Real want €50m to let him leave, and the player wants a €6.5m salary.
There are only 18 months left on Isco’s contract, though, so Madrid may have to cash in on him sooner rather than later if he is not part of their long-term plans.
That may open a door for City to swoop for the 28-year-old in the supposed double raid.
READ MORE: Zidane ends exit talk and wants Real Madrid contract rebels to stay
