Former Real Madrid striker or Club World Cup star? Cruz Azul’s top transfer target chosen for them

With the 2025 Liga MX Apertura just weeks away, Cruz Azul is racing against the clock to bolster its roster and stay in contention after a strong showing in the Clausura. Sporting director Iván Alonso is spearheading efforts to bring in two high-profile reinforcements to sharpen the attack: former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic and Uruguayan playmaker Giorgian De Arrascaeta. But while one deal looks increasingly realistic, the other is slipping out of reach.

Jovic transfer a realistic possibility

Jovic, 27, is set to become a free agent when his contract with AC Milan expires on June 30. That status makes him an especially attractive option, as Cruz Azul wouldn’t need to pay a transfer fee or negotiate with another club.

According to well-sourced reporters like César Luis Merlo, talks between Jovic’s camp and Cruz Azul have advanced significantly. The Mexican side is reportedly offering an annual salary in the neighborhood of $5 million—a sizable figure by Liga MX standards, but one that reflects both Jovic’s pedigree and the ambition behind the club’s project.

Jovic had a stop-start campaign in Italy last season, appearing in 17 matches across Serie A and the Coppa Italia. However, he logged just 693 total minutes and scored four goals. Injuries played a role in limiting his impact, yet his experience in top-tier European football—and his profile as a true No. 9—make him a compelling option to lead the line in Mexico. While Brazilian side Botafogo has also been linked to the striker, Cruz Azul is currently seen as the front-runner to land his signature.

Cruz Azul’s De Arrascaeta wish fading

Things are far more complicated when it comes to Giorgian De Arrascaeta, currently playing at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 31-year-old remains a central figure at Flamengo and is under contract with the Brazilian giants through December 2026. His current market value is estimated at around €15 million (roughly $16 million), but Flamengo is reportedly holding out for closer to $20 million.

That price tag is proving to be a major barrier for any club looking to pry him away—including Cruz Azul. The club’s interest in De Arrascaeta isn’t new; it dates back at least to May 2024. But the fundamentals haven’t changed: signing him would not only require a major financial outlay, but also De Arrascaeta’s willingness to leave a starring role at one of South America’s premier clubs.

While Cruz Azul has recently checked in on the player’s situation again, there’s no indication that serious negotiations are underway.

Ex-Real Madrid forward now La Máquina’s top priority

When comparing the two targets, it’s easy to see why Jovic has emerged as Cruz Azul’s top priority. His free-agent status gives the club a much more straightforward path: they only need to cover his salary and possibly a signing bonus. In contrast, bringing in De Arrascaeta would require a huge financial commitment and complex talks with Flamengo.

From a tactical perspective, Jovic also fills a more immediate need. Ángel Sepúlveda delivered an impressive 12 goals in 26 Clausura matches, but Cruz Azul needs more attacking depth and firepower to compete on multiple fronts, especially with the Leagues Cup also on the horizon.

For now, all signs point to Jovic as the centerpiece of Cruz Azul’s summer ambitions—and a potential game-changer in their push for domestic and international glory.

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