What’s the story?
Real Madrid are in talks with Parsi Saint-Germain defender, Marquinhos according to reports in Diario GOL. The Spanish publication claim that Florentino Perez has personally spoken with the Brazilian defender and is trying to convince him to move to Bernabeu.
Barcelona have been chasing the centre-back for a long time now and have had several bids rejected for him. PSG were never ready to let go of him, but things have changed ever since Unai Emery took over.
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Marquinhos was a target for several clubs during his Corinthians days but was snapped up by AS Roma. He joined the Italian side for €4.5 million (€1.5 million for loan + €3 million) in 2012 and made 26 appearances for them in the 2012/13 season.
Paris Saint-Germain wasted no time and signed him up for €31.4 million in the summer of 2013. He was in and out of the team under Laurent Blanc as the manager preferred playing the centre-back combination of David Luiz and Thiago Silva.
Barcelona tried to take advantage of this and made several bids for him from 2014 to 2016, but they were rebuffed by the Ligue 1 side every single time. Reports suggest that Marquinhos was Barcelona's #1 target last summer and they made as many as three huge bids for him.
The heart of the matter
Real Madrid are in the market to sign a replacement for Pepe. The centre-back's contract at Bernabeu expires at the end of the season, and he is expected to leave them when in the summer.
Varane is injured most of the time, and that has left the Madrid bosses frustrated with the Frenchman. They want Zidane to sign a young defender in the summer, and the manager has named Marquinhos.
Now, Real Madrid have begun negotiations with Ligue 1 side and also held talks with the player and his representatives. PSG are reportedly ready to sell him for around £50 million – almost the same amount that was allegedly offered by Barcelona last summer.
What’s next?
Marquinhos will be at the centre of a tug-of-war between Madrid and Barcelona in the summer. The Catalan side is also looking for a centre back as Pique, Mascherano and Mathieu are in their 30's.
Author’s Take
Real Madrid are making some smart moves this summer. They are trying to sign quality players rather than just spending big on established and over-priced players.
