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LaLiga giants Real Madrid are reportedly set to block Atletico Madrid from pursuing Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez. The 23-year-old Spaniard is a La Fabrica graduate who joined Girona in August 2022 for a reported transfer fee of €4 million (via Transfermarkt).
At present, Los Blancos have only two left-back options - Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia. The club is reportedly looking to sign a new left-back and Miguel Gutierrez has emerged as one of the prime options. However, arch-rivals Atletico Madrid are set to provide stiff competition to Los Blancos in pursuit of the Spaniard.
As per El Gol Digital's report (h/t Real Madrid Confidencial), Los Merengues are determined to block their city rivals from signing Gutierrez. They are looking to activate a buyback clause to prevent a potential move. Initially valued at €9 million, the clause will be activated in the summer of 2025.
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However, its value will increase by €1 million every year if Real Madrid choose to delay the activation. For instance, it will become €10 million in the summer of 2026, €11 million in the summer of 2027, and so on.
As per the report, Real Madrid are bent on preventing a direct competitor from signing Gutierrez in addition to strengthening their own squad. However, it is important to note that the player hasn't shown any interest in leaving the Blanquivermells and joining either of the two clubs.
Real Madrid boss plans to sell Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia if they don't improve their performances: Reports
According to a report by Defensa Central (via Madrid Universal), Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti desires to offload Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy. Both have not been in their element this season resulting in Los Blancos lacking consistency from the left of the pitch.
Fran Garcia hasn't registered a goal contribution in 19 club games across competitions, while Mendy hasn't had a goal contribution in 17 games. The manager's lack of confidence was visible in Los Blancos' 4-2 win against Sevilla at home on December 22. Ancelotti played Eduardo Camavinga at left-back despite both Garcia and Mendy being fit.
Furthermore, the Spanish giants are heavily linked with Canadian speedster Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich left-back is in the final year of his contract with no confirmation of an extension from the Bavarians. The summer transfer window might see Los Blancos sign him on a Bosman move if an extension with the Bavarians isn't finalized.
