‘Osimhen better than Mbappe, Conte for Real Madrid’

Carlo Garganese

• 29 Nov 2023 12:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Gianfranco Zola believes that Victor Osimhen would be a better signing for Real Madrid than Kylian Mbappe, while he tips Antonio Conte to succeed Carlo Ancelotti.

Madrid still need to sign a top-class striker, having failed to replace Karim Benzema after the France legend left for Saudi Arabia this past summer.

Mbappe is widely expected to move to Madrid at the end of the current season a free transfer when his contract at PSG expires.

However, ex-Chelsea, Parma and Napoli star Zola believes that Osimhen is more suited to the number 9 vacancy at Madrid.

“There are many big names such as Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and even Osimhen, who I see as a perfect fit for Real Madrid,” Zola told zooora.com.

“Mbappe is slightly different from Haaland, and I don’t think Manchester City will let Haaland leave easily.

“I might choose Mbappe, given his talent and personality, he is the right fit, but he is more of a winger than a striker, so in my opinion Haaland or Osimhen would be better as they are classic centre forwards. Every coach has his own vision.”

Zola also commented on who should be the next manager of Real Madrid.

Ancelotti’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the current season and he is expected to take over as Brazil national team manager.

Zola thinks that Conte would be the ideal replacement.

“What Ancelotti presented is extraordinary,” Zola said.

“The Merengues were going through a difficult phase when he was appointed three years ago. They had been eliminated from the Champions League by Chelsea, but he succeeded in changing the entire team for the better and restored it to success again.

“The decision [on his future] is definitely up to the club, and what philosophy they will adopt to hire a new coach. I think about someone who can manage their many stars and bring out the best from them. From my point of view, Antonio Conte would be a distinguished choice.”

Zola was speaking ahead of his former team Napoli’s Champions League group game against Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.