Real Madrid might have some of the best players in the world but one cannot help but ignore the depth in Zidane’s squad, especially when it comes to their defence. While Real’s attack is jam packed with world class players like Isco and James Rodriguez hardly getting chances, Zidane has faced huge problems replacing their defenders efficiently.
A perfect example would be that of Brazilian left-back Marcelo, who was repeatedly getting sidelined owing to muscular problems at the start of the season. With the only other option being Fabio Coentrao, who has also been injured for most of the season (even now), Zidane had to deploy right-back Danilo there, who was clearly out of position.
Now, with the team planning a major overhaul in the coming summer transfer window, Zidane will make sure he is beefed up in all parts of the field. And according to reports, Real are plotting a bid for Espanyol’s young sensation, Aaron Martin. The 19-year-old has been immensely impressive this season cementing a first team place.
Though he is yet to be involved directly in goals, his dribbling abilities and defensive attributes have grabbed eyeballs. Espanyol are currently in the ninth position in the La Liga table and Martin has played a huge role in that.
Premier League giants, Manchester City, are also reportedly very much interested in the player and are likely to give stiff competition to Real. Espanyol knows well the potential of their talented full-back with two of Europe’s wealthiest clubs chasing him, and they won’t make it easy for them anyway. Martin reportedly has a £26million release clause in his contract, which runs till 2022. His pricing is likely to further rise to almost £35m in 2018.
Given how things are heating up, we expect a bidding war between Real and City this summer. And with both the clubs more than capable of meeting his release clause, it would be down to the player to choose. And while many would argue that Real should be an easy choice, his Catalan roots could play a major role in choosing Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola over Los Blancos.
Guardiola is expected to oversee a major exodus at the end of the season which would mostly include defenders. And Martin would undoubtedly be a long-term replacement for City if he chooses them.
Zidane has more or less lost hope in Portugal international Coentrao, who has played only three times this season, and Martin is not his only target in that position. Reports also claim that the French boss is eyeing a move for 27-year-old Real Sociedad defender Yuri Berchiche, but getting Martin could be the perfect understudy to Marcelo.