Real Madrid keen on Pogba alternative from Serie A

Martin Macdonald

• 15 Nov 2021 17:33 GMT
• 5 min read

One of the worst kept secrets in world football over the past couple of years is Paul Pogba's desire to play for Real Madrid.

The World Cup winner actually confirmed last season that it is a career dream of his to one day don the famous white kit of the Spanish giants.

Up until now, any move away from Manchester United seemed unlikely due to the fact that the club made him the most expensive player in history when they purchased him from Juventus for €105 million from Juventus, and so would be looking for a significant fee back.

However, Real Madrid will have the opportunity to sign Pogba for free in the summer of 2022 as his Man Utd contract will expire in the summer.

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Though negotiations are thought to be ongoing between the Red Devils and Pogba (and agent Mino Raiola), as the days tick down the inevitability of a departure seems more and more likely.

Madrid will attempt to sign both Pogba and international team-mate Kylian Mbappe this coming summer, and for a combined transfer fee of zero.

Should Pogba become a free agent he will obviously not be short of suitors, with a return to Juventus also mentioned previously.

However, recent reports from Italy could potentially harm Pogba's chances of joining Real Madrid.

Real Madrid target Serie A star

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Real Madrid will target Napoli star Eljif Elmas for a potential transfer in the summer.

It was actually current Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti who signed the North Macedonian for Napoli when the Italian was in charge in Naples, and it appears he is now keen on a reunion.

Napoli signed Elmas for a fee of €16m in July of 2019, so it is likely Napoli would command an exorbitant price if any suitors come calling.

In the 2020/21 campaign, he was limited to just three Serie A starts by coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Elmas has became a much more important player this campaign under Luciano Spalletti, though, and has already made more starts in the league than in the entirety of 2021/21.

He has made seven starts in all competitions, scoring two goals and recording one assist.

Overall, his performances have been impressive in a Napoli side who have been fabulous so far.

The Partenopei are unbeaten in Serie A, winning 10 out of their opening 12 fixtures and are currently joint top of the table alongside Milan.