Real Madrid's €500m war chest for Mbappé, Hazard and Pogba
According to French newspaper L'Equipe, Zinedine Zidane has been handed the keys to a vast sum of transfer money to return Los Blancos to the top.
French newspaper L'Equipe is keeping close tabs on Zinedine Zidane as he looks to rebuild a Real Madrid side very much in need of a facelift. On Thursday they report on the revolution that is planned for this summer, which includes a financial war chest waiting to be opened to secure the services of Kylian Mbappé, Eden Hazard and Paul Pogba.
Hazard, Mbappé, Pogba for Zidane's Madrid Part II
Florentino Pérez has apparently handed Zidane the keys to that chest and upon releasing the lock the Frenchman will find 500 million euros for him to spend. With that he aims to seduce the PSG, Chelsea and Manchester United trio, forming an integral part to his second stint in charge at the Santiago Bernabéu. He left Madrid last summer after winning an unprecedented three consecutive Champions Leagues, and the objective is to return the club to the top of European football as quickly as possible.
Mbappé has become the player most wanted by Real Madrid and a battle is underway to prise him away from his hometown club, which won't be easy as president Nasser Al Khelaifi doesn't want to risk his own project. Hazard is another who has been constantly flirting with a move to the Spanish giants and his London club appear resigned to losing him, with Pulisic already signed for a summer arrival. United's French midfielder escaped Zidane's previous calling - agent fees getting in the way - but with some uncertainty over the Old Trafford club qualifying for next season's Champions League, it could be the moment to make the move joining up with one of his idols.
Already out of LaLiga title race, gone from the Champions League before the quarter-finals, and failing to reach the Copa del Rey final thanks to bitter rivals Barcelona, this season is as good as dead. So, the focus is on the next campaign, Zidane Part II, and all that could come with that.