Real Madrid eye Vini Jr-approved Arsenal star after 'closing door on Haaland'

Suraj Radia

28 Oct 2023 14:19 BST
4 min read

Erling Haaland of Manchester City with the Real Madrid badge — © ProShots

Real Madrid have ‘closed the door’ on the signing of Erling Haaland, with Vinicius Junior reportedly giving his recommendation for who should be the club’s next number nine.

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The La Liga side have been in the market for a new striker after seeing Karim Benzema move to the Saudi Pro League in the summer, with veteran Joselu being brought in on loan as a short-term replacement.

While Joselu has done an adequate job, Real have long-harboured hopes of signing a player like Haaland but Spanish outlet El Nacional state that the finances involved for the Manchester City star have all but ruled out any potential of a transfer.

CONUNDRUM: Haaland vs Mbappe debate drags on for Real

Real will unsurprisingly look to target Kylian Mbappe when his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires next summer but Vini Jr has told Carlo Ancelotti that Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus would ‘fit perfectly’ in Madrid.

Jesus only joined Arsenal last summer from City for €52 million but Vini believes his international teammate represents a cheaper alternative to Haaland and is keen on the 26-year-old to join him at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The report claims that Arsenal could allow Jesus to leave for €80m, while Real have held a long-standing interest in the Brazilian, who has netted 12 goals in 33 Premier League games for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Mbappe likely the answer for Real

Real have been thankful for the goals of summer signing Jude Bellingham, with the England international having scored 11 goals in 12 games since his €103m move.

But the lack of a true world-class number nine has been glaring for Real, who travel to Barcelona for El Clasico this weekend as both sides look to close the gap on La Liga leaders Girona.

Real’s interest in Mbappe is no secret and the Frenchman will almost certainly make his long-awaited move to Los Blancos on a free transfer barring a dramatic u-turn similar to the summer of 2022.

SUPERIOR?: Real have transfer option who is 'better than Mbappe'

Haaland was always considered as an alternative to Mbappe, particularly due to a reported release clause which is due to become active next summer, believed to be worth around €200m.

Nicola (relative of Kylian Mbappé): "He's a real football fan. On the Playstation, however, he always chose Real Madrid. His favorite team." pic.twitter.com/6LN1c6D8Fc
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) October 24, 2023

However, Haaland is understood to be happy at City and could sign a new deal with the Premier League side, while Real have doubts over factors such as his injury history and ‘tendancy to disappear on big dates’ according to El Nacional.