Who could Real Madrid shift in order to fund Mbappe deal?

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 17 May 2021 20:31 BST
• 3 min read

According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, Real Madrid are planning a summer bid for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe has long been a target for the Spanish giants, and it’s believed that this summer they will make him their primary target.

However, AS also state that Madrid will need to move several players on in order to partially fund the move for the French superstar. The club hope to raise between £90m-£135m by clearing out some deadwood.

So, which players could the club shift in order make room for Mbappe?

Gareth Bale

The obvious starting point. Gareth Bale has no future in the Spanish capital, not for as long as Zinedine Zidane remains at the helm.

Bale is on loan at Tottenham, with Madrid still reportedly forking out half of his £600,000 per-week wages at present. The club will be eager to finally move him on from his luxurious contract, however if Bale refuses to take a pay cut in order to secure first team football, Madrid may be stuck with him until his contract expires at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Bale hasn’t exactly flourished at Tottenham either, with boss Jose Mourinho usually playing him in secondary competitions such as the Europa League or the League Cup.

Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos, like Bale, finds himself in London. Ceballos joined Arsenal on a two-season loan deal, which will conclude at the end of the season.

The midfielder has sparkled inconsistently for The Gunners, and with Arsenal facing a financial crisis due to the pandemic, it remains to be seen whether they will attempt to strike a permanent deal for the 24-year-old in the summer.

Ceballos has made 60 appearances for Arsenal, scoring twice and providing three assists.

Isco

It feels like Isco has been heading for the Madrid exit door for the last several years, but once the season starts he always remains.

However, surely now is the time for the once highly-rated attacking midfielder to seek greener pastures. Isco’s development has stagnated at the Santiago Bernabeu. At one stage in his career he could’ve left Madrid and picked his next destination.

However, that’s no longer the case. At 28, the Spaniard’s reputation has greatly diminished. His contract expires in 18 months time, and Madrid could decide to finally move him on next summer as to avoid losing him for nothing in a year’s time.

Luka Jovic

Luka Jovic’s move to La Liga from Eintracht Frankfurt has been nothing short of disastrous.

Still only 23 years of age, Jovic has plenty of years in front of him, but the move to Madrid hasn’t worked out. It’s also been reported that he’s ‘lost the trust‘ of Zidane, and has fallen down the pecking order.

Jovic has been linked with moves to Milan and West Ham, and due to his age, shouldn’t be without plenty of suitors if Real decide to get rid of him in the summer.

Brahim Diaz

Brahim Diaz currently on loan at Milan.

However, he’s struggled to make a sizeable impact at San Siro. Coach Stefano Pioli has given him ample opportunities from the start, but Diaz hasn’t exactly shone. He’s registered four goals and three assists in all competitions for the Rossoneri this season.

Milan are in great financial difficulty, and would arguably like to keep the 21-year-old, given the price is right.

Due to the sheer number of attacking options that Real Madrid currently have, it makes little sense to keep Diaz at the club, and a permanent move away might be best for all concerned.

Marcelo

The Madrid stalwart has been at the club since 2007, but may be nearing the end of his long association with Los Blancos.

The Brazilian left-back is demanding a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of June 2022.

He seems to have fallen down the pecking order under Zidane, with Marcelo only making seven appearances in all competitions this season, amounting to 609 minutes of playing time.

There would be no shortage of takers for Marcelo, with his attacking quality and abundance of experience.