Real Madrid’s plans for further additions this summer could depend on players leaving first, but two names recently linked with exits do not appear to be heading towards the door.
According to Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, there have been no concrete developments regarding departures for Eduardo Camavinga or Raul Asencio, despite both players emerging as possible candidates to leave in recent weeks.
The situation is serious because Jose Mourinho is still keen to strengthen his squad with another centre-back and a midfielder.
Real Madrid are monitoring options, but the message inside the club is that further signings will require space to be created first.
Real Madrid explored exits, but…
On that note, Camavinga and Asencio were among the players considered in that regard.
Real Madrid are open to selling Camavinga. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
For now, though, neither appears interested in leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, leaving Real Madrid with a problem to solve if they want to give Mourinho the reinforcements he is still looking for.
Camavinga’s name has been discussed internally as Real Madrid looked at possible ways of generating an exit.
The French midfielder has attracted interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United among the clubs linked with his situation. However, the player wants to remain at Real Madrid, making any potential transfer difficult before negotiations even begin.
What about Asencio?
The same applies to Asencio.
Real Madrid also explored the possibility of moving on the 23-year-old centre-back, although there have been no concrete steps towards a departure.
There is no movement regarding Camavinga and Asencio. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The defender, who suffered a thigh injury in late July, is also understood to want to stay and fight for his place.
Recent reports had linked Liverpool with a possible move, but Asencio’s desire to remain in Madrid means there is currently little momentum behind the speculation.
For now, Mourinho has made it known that he would like another centre-back and a midfielder, and the club continue to assess potential targets.
However, wanting to strengthen the squad and being able to do so are two different things, as the situation surrounding Camavinga and Asencio is becoming quite difficult to resolve due to lack of movement.