5 Premier League players with a point to prove in the 2022/23 season

 

5 Premier League players with a point to prove in the 2022/23 season

The 2022/23 Premier League campaign is set to begin in less than a week and players are now gearing up for yet another grueling season. While some will build on the progress they made last season, others will be out to right the wrongs of the last few years and turn a new leaf.

Several Premier League players underperformed in the 2021/22 season

When a player is not performing to their potential and is unable to get out of a bad run of form, the start of the new season is welcome. A number of stars failed miserably to justify their potential or maintain consistency last season and are burdened by either their price tags or the hype around them.

But some will look towards the 2022/23 season as a chance to hit their peak again and prove their worth. On that note, let's take a look at five Premier League players with a point to prove in the 2022/23 season.

#5 Gabriel Jesus - Arsenal

Gabriel Jesus is one of the few players in the Premier League who has immense talent but has been unable to showcase it to its full potential so far. The Brazil star, who signed for Manchester City in 2017, could never propel himself to greatness under Pep Guardiola.

His recent move to Arsenal, however, is bound to show everybody what he is about, especially in a side that shall be built around him. An excellent No 9, Jesus's ability to time runs, strength to hold the ball and effective finishing abilities convinced the Gunners to spend £45 million to bring him to the Emirates.

He has already proved his class in pre-season by scoring seven times in five games, including finding the back of the net against both Chelsea & Sevilla. Arteta has built a squad that is ready to compete with the big boys, and Jesus certainly looks like a fine cherry on top.

After not being able to spread his wings at Manchester City, he will be a man on a mission to become a star at Arsenal in the upcoming season.

#4 Jack Grealish - Manchester City

Although the 2022 summer transfer window is yet to end, Jack Grealish remains the most expensive signing in British football.

The former Aston Villa star joined Manchester City last summer for £100 million as Guardiola decided to bring the England star to the Etihad. However, given the size of the squad, there was a lot of competition and Grealish was unable to completely come out of his shell last season.

In fact, he could only manage three goals and three assists in 26 Premier League appearances, which was a poor return for a man with his price tag.

However, after the departures of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus this summer, there is little competition in the wing positions. While Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez have joined the Citizens, they are both out-and-out centre-forwards and are only likely to occupy one position on the pitch.

This leaves Grealish to fight actively to play on either wing and prove to Guardiola his proficiency in scoring goals and creating multiple chances in a game. Moreover, his ability to draw fouls in good areas, his quality in set-pieces and his desire to beat defenders in 1v1 situations could be vital.

Once played on a consistent basis, Grealish will be keen on coming good and justifying his £100 million fee in the 2022/23 season.

#3 Marcus Rashford - Manchester United

Marcus Rashford had one of his most shocking seasons at Manchester United last term and the Englishman will be keen to forget it as soon as possible.

After returning from a shoulder injury last summer, Rashford was eased back into the squad by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, the weight on his shoulders was considerable as every other attacker, apart from Cristiano Ronaldo, was hugely underperforming.

This led to Rashford often trying to influence games single-handedly, but it came to no avail as he often looked like a clueless figure on the pitch.

Things did not change for the better under Ralf Rangnick, as few were able to comprehend the German manager's tactics. But it wasn't just an inability to understand things, as Rashford also looked like he had lost a little of his trickery and pace last season.

So it comes as no surprise that he could only conjure four goals and two assists in 25 Premier League appearances last season. To put things into context, he managed 11 goals and 11 assists in 37 Premier League games in the 2020/21 campaign. Hence, he suffered a massive drop in form last season due to the aforementioned factors.

But Rashford has since worked hard to gain full fitness and has looked sharp in pre-season under Erik ten Hag. But the 24-year-old will need to impress in the upcoming season if the Dutch manager is to keep him in his plans in the coming years.

It is worth noting that the attacker only has a year left on his contract with an option to extend it for another 12 months. Hence, Rashford is on thin ice and will be eager to convince his boyhood club to retain his services by going full throttle next season.

#2 Kai Havertz - Chelsea

It has been nearly two years since Chelsea shelled out a then-record transfer fee of £75 million to sign Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen.

Since then, the player has gone on to win multiple trophies with the club. He has also been a big-game player as he has scored in the UEFA Champions League final and the FIFA Club World Cup final. Despite this, there is still a grave amount of inconsistency on the part of the German star as there are still doubts about his optimal position.

Thomas Tuchel has used his fellow countryman in the centre-forward role and Havertz has done his best to justify his selection. But the Blues need him to produce a lot more from that position, as that was the main reason for paying the big bucks for him.

In the last two years, he has scored only 12 goals and provided six assists in 56 Premier League appearances for Chelsea. Although he only turned 23 earlier this year, it is about time Havertz nailed down a spot in the starting XI on merit rather than being the least-worse option.

There are high expectations from him and the Blues will need him to contribute more than 20 Premier League goals next season to justify his potential. Tuchel's patience with his current squad is running thin, and Havertz now needs to repay the faith put in him by the gaffer over the last 18 months.

#1 Harry Maguire - Manchester United

If there is one player who has been ridiculed the most in English football over the last couple of years, it is certainly Harry Magure. The England centre-back, since moving to Manchester United for £80 million, has been crushed under that price tag.

Unlike Van Dijk, he has not been able to command his side to greatness by being either a tactically astute defender or a great leader. The captain's armband has also carried its weight in ruining his confidence over the last 18 months.

Moreover, a lack of pace, comical errors, and mistakes in key games have also led to his downfall. However, it must also be said that the England star has never been trained by a top manager. Erik Ten Hag can change that narrative by coaching confidence into the player through tactics that could benefit the centre-back.

Maguire has, so far, looked comfortable in pre-season but will be eager to perform at the top of his game next season. It is imperative that he not only justifies his price tag but proves the doubtors wrong by showcasing his quality at the highest level.

While all of this is hard to achieve in one season, he can make good progress in the 2022/23 campaign by regaining his status as a top Premier League defender.

CRISTIANO RONALDO GET A SURPRISE CLUB THAT SUIT HIM

 Surprised! Could Borussia Dortmund be an option for Cristiano Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo is still looking for a new team, after officially informing Manchester United of his desire to leave the club this summer.

However, the days are passing and the Portuguese's options are dwindling. The last team to reject his services was Atletico Madrid.

However, Borussia Dortmund could be his main option right now.

The German club are looking for a striker in the market after Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with a testicular tumour, which will keep him out of the game indefinitely following surgery to remove it.

After this blow, Borussia Dortmund must find a replacement in the remainder of the market and this could be the Red Devils' Portuguese striker. But would Cristiano fit in at Dortmund?

Borussia meet Cristiano's requirements

One of the big reasons why Ronaldo wants to move is because he wants to play in the Champions League next season, something he won't be able to do at United.

The Portuguese wants to continue playing at the highest level until the end of his career, so Dortmund would fit in with his plans.

The Germans have proven to be a very competitive team, and he would be their franchise player there, surrounded by young players and some veterans like the legendary captain Marco Reus.

Playing in another big league

Perhaps another incentive to join Dortmund would be to try another league in Europe. Although the Bundesliga is not as competitive as the Premier League, his arrival would have a huge impact on the competition.

This summer it has lost big names such as Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. However, the arrival of Cristiano would fill the gap left by both.

In addition, Dortmund would become one of the favourites to win the league championship and thus break the dominance established by Bayern Munich.

Running out of time

The German option could be Cristiano's last chance to leave United before the start of next season.

The striker has been losing suitors as the weeks have gone by, so Dortmund could become the team that fulfils the desire of the Portuguese and thus begin a new stage in his career.

 Barcelona and Manchester United among clubs interested in signing 21-year-old goalkeeper: Reports

Real Salt Lake goalkeeper David Ochoa is a player of interest to Barcelona and Manchester United, according to American journalist Tom Bogert.

Barcelona have had an eventful summer transfer window so far. They have signed Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen till now and are now expected to add Jules Kounde to their ranks.

Manchester United, on the other hand, have made three major additions to their squad ahead of their first season under Erik ten Hag. They have landed Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia for a combined fee of around €72 million, while Christian Eriksen has been roped in on a free transfer.

Despite their stature as two of Europe's biggest clubs, Barcelona and Manchester United are also exploring the market for potential low-cost options. It has emerged that Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Ochoa is such a target for them.

Barcelona view the 21-year-old as a potential option for their reserve team, according to the aforementioned source. The Blaugrana already have four goalkeepers, including Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Neto, in their senior squad.

Manchester United, who have allowed Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on loan this summer, only have David de Gea and Tom Heaton in their ranks. They could thus look to make Ochoa their third-choice goalkeeper.

Ochoa has made 30 appearances across all competitions for Real Salt Lake so far. However, his contract with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club is expiring at the end of the year.

The Catalans and the Red Devils, though, are not the only clubs interested in signing the Mexican. Ligue 1 club AS Monaco are also being linked with a move for the shot-stopper.

Club America, Club Tijuana and Atletico de San Luis are credited with an interest in Ochoa as well.

Manchester United struggle to sign Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong

The Red Devils have been working on a deal to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona. They have even agreed a deal worth up to €85 million with the Catalans, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, De Jong is said to be reluctant to leave the La Liga giants during the ongoing transfer window. It is also worth noting that the Camp Nou outfit reportedly still owe him €17 million in wages.

The Netherlands international is keen to play Champions League football next season. There have been suggestions that he will only leave the Blaugrana for Chelsea this summer.

 Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos wanted Antonio Rudiger in 2019; club monitoring AC Milan forward, and more - July 27, 2022

Real Madrid played out a 2-2 draw against Club America on Tuesday in a friendly at Oracle Park. Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard scored for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger's agent Sahr Senesie has revealed that Los Blancos wanted him in 2019. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants are monitoring an AC Milan forward.

On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on July 27, 2022:

Real Madrid wanted Antonio Rudiger in 2019, says player's agent

Sahr Senesie has revealed that Antonio Rudiger has been on Real Madrid’s radar for quite a while. The German defender joined Los Blancos this summer after seeing out his Chelsea contract this summer.

Speaking to Kicker, as relayed by Marca, Rudiger's agent said the La Liga giants wanted the player in 2019, but a move failed to materialise.

“The contact was directly with Real Madrid, not with him, but with the management. No complications arose, as we had been in contact with the club since 2016. The interest materialised in 2019, before Chelsea's transfer ban came in, and Antonio didn't want to force a transfer out of respect for Chelsea officials. Chelsea would not have been able to sign a replacement for him at that time,” said Senesie.

Senesie went on to reveal that he has been in touch with Ancelotti since 2018.

"I have been in close contact with Carlo since 2018, from Napoli. Carlo explained to him how he conceives the whole thing in sporting terms. Toni liked that. It was a very good conversation, and it further reinforced his good feeling. Initially, we continued with the strategy of waiting. 'Keep calm and play good football'," I told him,” said Senesie.

The agent, who's also Rudiger's brother, added:

“But after two months of uncertainty, also in view of Chelsea's new owners and their ideas, two or three big European clubs pushed for a decision. So we had to reassess the situation, which Toni didn't know yet. Then he communicated very clearly to his coach Thomas Tuchel that he wanted to leave after having to decide between waiting with a lot of uncertainty until maybe June or moving to Real Madrid."

Los Blancos monitoring Olivier Giroud

Real Madrid are interested in Olivier Giroud, according to Fichajes via The Hard Tackle. The La Liga champions remain in the market for a backup to Karim Benzema. With Luka Jovic gone and Mariano Diaz also likely to follow suit, Ancelotti could look to bolster his options in attack. Giroud could be a fabulous short-term solution.

The Frenchman registered 14 goals and four assists from 38 games last season to help AC Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years. However, he has dropped down the pecking order following the arrival of Divock Origi. Los Blancos are willing to take advantage of the situation and take him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti hints at staring XI for UEFA Super Cup

Carlo Ancelotti has provided team news for Real Madrid’s UEFA Super Cup tie against Eintracht Frankfurt at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on August 10. Los Blancos are currently on their pre-season tour of the US and shared the spoils against Club America on Tuesday.

Speaking after the game, Ancelotti that said he's pleased with his team’s performance.

“It was a good game, better than the first (that they lost to Barcelona). We had difficulties in the beginning, but then the team played well. We had more control in the first half and more strength in the second,” said Ancelotti.

The Italian added that he won’t make too many changes from last season’s team for the UEFA Super Cup. It's likely to resemble the one that takes the field against Juventus in a friendly on Sunday.

“It’s going to look more like last season because it’s a tournament we qualified for by winning the Champions League. We have to take that into account because it means closing the season – we have to finish out the season by winning the Super Cup. The team that plays will look like that one we put out on Saturday (against Juventus),” said Ancelotti

Neymar breaks silence on rumors linking him with PSG exit

Brazilian winger Neymar claimed that he wants to stay at PSG in a recent post-match interview.

Neymar, along with the entire squad, is currently in Japan for their pre-season tour. The French champions won 3-0 earlier on Saturday against Urawa Reds with Kylian Mbappe, Pablo Sarabia, and Arnaud Kalimuendo on the scoresheet.

Neymar was brought in as a second-half substitute and played for the last 30 minutes. The Brazilian has been linked with an exit with the French club understood to be intent on selling him.

Manchester City and Chelsea have been actively linked with the player. However, in an interview transcribed by L’Équipe, Neymar claimed that he wants to stay at the club and has not received any communication regarding a potential move.

“I want to stay at PSG. I don’t know about the club, because they’ve never said anything to me. I have a contract for several years here. There you go. For now, they’ve said nothing.”

The 30-year-old still has five years left on his contract but has reportedly been offered to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. However, the English champions are understood to have said no to the potential move. Neymar scored 13 goals last season and has netted 100 times in 144 appearances for the French club.

Neymar claims he is happy at PSG despite being linked to exit

The Brazilian was also asked whether he had anything to say to people who have criticized him over recent performances. In response, Neymar claimed that he was happy at his current club.

“No. The truth is that I have nothing to prove to anyone. People speak too much because they can do nothing else. They know me, they know how I am, how I play. I have nothing to show. I love playing football, I’m happy.”

It is clear that the French club under the new regime are intent on making quick changes. Under Luis Campo, PSG have not made any big signings and seem focussed on bringing defensive resilience into the team.

Christopher Galtier is a relatively lesser-known manager who has been brought in despite some big names being linked to the job, including Zinedine Zidane.

The club knows it already possesses enough attacking depth and instead needs to bring balance to the squad. Luis Campos is one of the most highly-rated football brains on the planet and his impact might allow the French club to finally land their first UCL title.

ELCLASICO MATCH PREVIEW

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction and Betting Tips | 23rd July | Club Friendlies 2022

The Allegiant Stadium in Nevada bears witness to another edition of El Clasico this weekend as Barcelona lock horns with arch-rivals Real Madrid in an intriguing clash on Saturday.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Preview

Barcelona finished in second place in the La Liga standings and have shown improvement under Xavi so far. The Catalan giants thrashed Inter Miami by a comfortable 6-0 margin in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this weekend.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, won the La Liga title last season and have been in impeccable form over the past year. Los Blancos have an impressive squad at their disposal and have a point to prove in this fixture.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction

Barcelona have impressive players in their ranks and have pulled off several surprises in the transfer market. The Catalans have shown tremendous improvement under Xavi and will look to be at their best in this match.

Real Madrid will be hurting from their previous Clasico defeat and will be intent on making amends this weekend. Barcelona have improved over the past month, however, and hold a slight upper hand in this fixture.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Betting Tips

Tip 1: Result - Barcelona

Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes

Tip 3: Real Madrid to score first - Yes

Tip 4: Robert Lewandowski to score - Yes

 Transfer News LIVE, July 21: Real Madrid turn down Dzeko, Dani Alves finds a club, another Barcelona target

Hello everybody and, as we start a new week, welcome along to another MARCA In English transfer market live blog this Thursday, July 21.

We're now more than halfway through July, so the transfer market is really heating up and we'll be reporting on all the new operations that are announced this Thursday, as well as all the juiciest transfer rumours of the day.

As is always the case in these transfer market live blogs, the updates follow below and the most recent ones are the ones that come nearest the top.

Transfer Market: Rumours and Breaking News on Thursday, July 21

This is our daily transfer market live blog and we have been using this space all summer to provide updates on the latest transfer news.

Each day, we'll have all the latest information as Barcelona continue to make improvements, while Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid aim to improve too.

But, we won't only be covering the Spanish teams in these transfer market live blogs, as we'll also have news for the Premier League giants like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, in addition to the teams of Serie A, Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and beyond.

Over the course of the summer, we will use this space to bring you the latest transfer news as and when it happens.

If there is a confirmed deal or a contract renewal, then we'll bring you the details here and explain who is going where or staying where.

If there is an interesting transfer market rumour, we will bring that to your attention as well and break down how likely or not it is to actually come to fruition.

So, follow along with us this Thursday and over the rest of the summer months to stay up to date with the latest transfer market developments.

Real Madrid News Today.

Real Madrid's quiet arrival in Los Angeles with Benzema waiting

Real Madrid landed in Los Angeles around 6:15pm on Tuesday after a 13-hour direct flight from Spain.

They were greeted by timid shouts from about 70 local Madrid fans when they arrived at their hotel at around 7:30pm, with Carlo Ancelotti and Vinicius among the most acclaimed.

The Italian tactician has named 28 players to Madrid's squad for their trip to the USA.

Reinier has remained in Spain as the club look to sort his future, while Borja Mayoral missed out on the trip due to his vaccination status.

UCLA, Real Madrid's home in Los Angeles

Karim Benzema has finally rejoined the group after skipping the initial training period at the Ciudad Real Madrid with the club's permission.

The Frenchman arrived at the hotel hours before his teammates, while new signings Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni are also present.

There are also four youth players in the squad: two goalkeepers in Luis Lopez and Lucas Canizares, right-back Vinicius Tobias, and striker Juanmi Latasa.

The Beverly Hills Hotel, located on Sunset Boulevard, will be Real Madrid's base for the next two weeks. Training is expected to resume Wednesday at the renowned UCLA facilities.

The temperature will be somewhat cooler than in Spain, with highs of 30ºC and lows of 18ºC.

Madrid will have some time to settle in before taking on Barcelona in Las Vegas on July 23, then travelling to San Francisco for a match against America on the 26th, and then ending their trip against Juventus in Los Angeles on the 30th.

Eden Hazard has to save Real Madrid career in true now-or-never season - 

The images of a lean fit Eden Hazard may have only emerged in recent days but the player himself sensed something was changing last March when a routine operation to remove a metal plate also took a great weight from his shoulders.

Hazard broke his right ankle two years ago and had the plate fitted to stabilise the injury as it healed.

It played on his mind, reminding him constantly of the injury and he felt different when doctor Jose Palacios removed it at Madrid's university hospital just before the end of last season.

The half hour procedure may have finally fixed the €150million (£128m) player just before his most important season.

This is a World Cup year, and the tournament in Qatar will probably be his last World Cup. He is also now just two years from the end of his contract, at a club which has shown great patience with him - patience he wants to reward.

In an era of wasteful signings (Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele among others) Hazard had been the worst.

Liverpool facing competition from Real Madrid for 25-year-old star - Reports

FA Cup champions Liverpool will face competition from reigning European champions Real Madrid for the signature of Florian Neuhaus. This is according to a report by Fichajes Futbol (via Liverpool Echo). The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder has enjoyed a fine season in the middle of the park and has seen himself linked with a move to a bigger club.

The German joined Monchengladbach in 2017 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in the Bundesliga. Last season, Neuhaus was a constant part of the Foals' starting XI, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances.

This has led to the 25-year-old being linked with a move to a couple of big-name clubs this transfer window. One of these potential destinations is Liverpool, with the German midfielder expected to potentially add experience and efficiency to an already impressive Reds midfield.

However, Liverpool might have an issue with securing the German’s signature as Real Madrid are also linked with the midfielder. Los Blancos beat Jurgen Klopp’s men to the Champions League trophy last season in the final and might just beat them to this signing as well.

 Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos monitoring Real Sociedad striker; club offered chance to sign Napoli midfielder, and more - July 11, 2022

Real Madrid have started the summer with a bang. Manager Carlo Ancelotti secured the signature of Antonio Rudiger on a Bosman move and also snapped up Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos are monitoring a Real Sociedad striker. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants have been offered the chance to sign a Napoli midfielder this summer. On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on July 11, 2022:

Real Madrid monitoring Alexander Isak

Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Alexander Isak, according to Fichajes via The Hard Tackle. The Swedish striker has caught the eye for Real Sociedad, catching Madrid's attention.

Isak has turned over a new leaf since joining Sociedad from Borussia Dortmund in 2019. He has 43 goals and eight assists from 128 appearances across competitions, and his overall gameplay has earned him admirers across Europe. Los Blancos are also monitoring him with interest.

The Spanish giants have bid adieu to Luka Jovic, who has been offloaded to Fiorentina on a free transfer. Mariano Diaz is also expected to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, which would open up space in the striker’s department.

Karim Benzema enjoyed an exceptional 2021-22 campaign, scoring 44 times in 46 games across competitions. However, the Frenchman is in the twilight of his career, and Madrid will have to lay down succession plans for their fabled marksman. Isak could be a backup to Benzema, picking up the tricks of the trade before the baton is passed to him.

The Swede is expected to cost around €50-60 million this summer, which could hinder a possible move. However, Madrid and Sociedad are currently negotiating for the transfer of Takefusa Kubo. Los Blancos could use the opportunity to facilitate talks for Isak.

Los Blancos offered chance to sign Fabian Ruiz

Real Madrid have been offered the chance to sign Fabian Ruiz on a cut-price deal this summer, according to Defensa Central via The Hard Tackle.

The Spaniard has been a regular feature in Napoli’s midfield since arriving at the club in 2018. The 26-year-old has racked up 22 goals and 15 assists from 166 games across competitions for the Serie A giants. However, his contract is set to run out next summer, but he's yet to commit himself to the club.

Madrid are already keeping a close eye on Ruiz’s situation and were previously planning to lap him up for free next summer. However, Los Blancos have now been afforded a chance to secure the Spaniard on a reduced fee this year. Barcelona are also in the mix, but it's unclear whether either club would dive for the Spaniard this summer.

Real Madrid in three-horse race for Dani Gonzalez

Real Madrid are locked in a battle with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for the signature of Dani Gonzalez, according to Defensa Central via The Hard Tackle.

The Spaniard has developed in leaps and bounds at Albacete, earning his first-team debut last November. The 20-year-old has appeared 20 times for them across competitions, registering five goals and two assists, to help them earn promotion to La Liga 2.

Gonzalez’s steady rise has earned him admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu. The La Liga giants want to add him to the youth ranks at Real Madrid Castilla, which could be depleted by Juanmi Latasa’s impending promotion to the senior team. Los Blancos believe Gonzalez's arrival would strengthen Raul Gonzalez’s side but could face competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for his signature.

Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos return best option for Cristiano Ronaldo, says Lille defender; club offer 2-year deal to Spanish midfielder, and more - July 8, 2022

eal Madrid have already roped in Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni this summer. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is preparing to continue his team’s dominance in European football next season.

Meanwhile, Lille defender Jose Fonte believes a return to the Santiago Bernabeu would be the best option for Cristiano Ronaldo. Elsewhere, Los Blancos have offered a two-year deal to a Spanish midfielder.

On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on July 8, 2022:

Real Madrid return best option for Cristiano Ronaldo, says Jose Fonte

Jose Fonte believes a return to Real Madrid would be the best option for Cristiano Ronaldo at the moment.

The Portuguese has asked to leave Manchester United this summer and is already being linked with a host of clubs around Europe. The 37-year-old spent almost a decade at the Santiago Bernabeu, enjoying tremendous success.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Fonte said that Ronaldo wants to play in the UEFA Champions League and wants to win the Ballon d’Or award.

“What I do know is that the man loves the Champions League. He believes it is the best competition in the world and knows how he has to perform to win Ballons d’Or. Talking about Man United, I think they really have a good coach. I’ve played twice against Ajax, and I was really impressed with the way they played and their philosophy.

He continued:

“He needs to be winning trophies and competing for trophies for the Ballon d’Or. He is a serial winner, as everyone knows. He might be looking at the squad and thinking, ‘Am I going to be able to win some trophies this year?’ Maybe, he doesn’t believe it. I don’t know. Only he can say.”

Fonte added that rejoining Los Blancos would work wonders for Ronaldo, but he's unsure if the club wants him back.

“Would he go back to Madrid? That would be, for him, the best. If they want him back or not, that’s a different question.”

Fonte also said that Ronaldo could win trophies if he moved to Bayern Munich too.

“Bayern Munich would be interesting – because he can win trophies and be competitive in the Champions League.”

Los Blancos offer 2-year deal to Dani Ceballos

Real Madrid have offered Dani Ceballos a two-year deal, according to SPORT via The Hard Tackle.

The Spanish midfielder’s current contract with the La Liga champions is all set to expire next summer. The 25-year-old has dropped down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu recently.

Ceballos showed promise when called upon last season, but his struggle for first-team football is likely to continue with the arrival of Aurelien Tchouameni.

Los Blancos were previously willing to cash in on Ceballos this year. However, it now appears the club have performed a U-turn and have decided to keep hold of the Spaniard. Ancelotti has always spoken highly of the 25-year-old, and it appears the Italian wants the player to extend his stay.

Newcastle United interested in Marco Asensio

Newcastle United are interested in Marco Asensio, according to Defensa Central via The Hard Tackle. The Magpies are looking to invest heavily in the squad this summer and have identified the frontline as an area that needs special attention. The Spaniard has emerged as a target, given the uncertainties surrounding his future at Real Madrid.

Asensio has entered the final year of his current deal and talks for an extension have not been fruitful so far. The 26-year-old is not short of options if he wants to leave, with the Magpies eager to take him to St. James Park. However, they'll face competition from AC Milan, Manchester United and Arsenal for his signature.