Real Madrid in talks for Roma full-back Spinazzola
Madrid and Roma officials met to discuss a possible exchange in which Borja Mayoral would stay on in Italy with the left-back joining Ancelotti's team.
Real Madrid are getting into gear for the opening of this summer's transfer window. Especially now that it has been announced that Sergio Ramos is moving on - the club must make reinforcements for when Ancelotti's squad return to work in Valdebebas on 5 July. In the latest development, AS understands that a meeting took place in the south of France between Roma official Davide Lippi, representatives from Madrid, former Lille Director of Sport Luis Campos, and his right-hand man, Ludovic Fattizzo.
The names of two players were on the agenda - Leonardo Spinazzola and Borja Mayoral. One of the them was Roma's 28-year-old left-back who enjoyed a great season and has caught the eye at Euro 2020, where he is a first-choice starter with Roberto Macini's Italy. The other, Borja Mayoral, who is about to start his second season on loan at Roma from Real Madrid; at the end of it, the Italians will have the option to buy him for 20 million euros. Seeing as all clubs finances have been hit hard by the pandemic, yesterday's meeting was to discuss a possible exchange of both players. Roma would be able to keep the Madrid striker, who ended last season with superb figures (17 goals and four assists); Madrid meanwhile would take Spinazzola, a left-back who is highly rated by Ancelotti and valued at 26 million euros by Transfermarkt.
The left-back position at Real Madrid
In theory, Spinazzola would cover the vacancy left by Marcelo. The Brazilian has been handed the captain's armband following Ramos' departure but that could only be a temporary measure - Madrid would be open to letting Marcelo leave (he earns 8 million euros net) as Mendy is the first-choice at left-back while Miguel Gutiérrez will be brought into the first team squad to train under Ancelotti, but still be registered with Castilla. There is also new signing David Alaba, who can cover at left-back if necessary.