A year ago
Real Madrid are slowly rebuilding their squad with Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco, Benzema, Casemiro, Marco Asensio and Raphael Varane having left the club in recent seasons.
Spain's La Liga outfit have also brought in top players who can replace those who have left. This summer, Real Madrid signed Jude Bellingham in one of the most exciting transfers of the summer transfer window to date. Los Blancos had their man for £115m plus add-ons.
They also signed Espanyol striker Joselu on loan. The Real Madrid academy graduate will temporarily replace Karim Benzema if Real Madrid do not sign a much younger striker this summer.
At left-back, Real Madrid is still weak as Eduardo Camavinga spent most of last season, a position he did not like. This means that if the rumors are true then Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies could be signed.
Achraf Hakimi could also be brought back to the club to play at the club's right-back, while Dani Carvajal has already entered the twilight phase of his career.
With that in mind, here's how Real Madrid could line up if they sign Alphonso Davies and Achraf Hakimi:
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Manchester United have been hoping to strike an agreement soon to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer.
But with a large gap in pricing, negotiations have hit a snag. BBC Sport has reported that Manchester United's £40m offer has been rejected by Chelsea. A new offer was submitted today and rejected, The Athletic reports.
A report nearly a month ago via The Mirror claimed Chelsea needed to sell Mount to solve a "critical issue" as they needed to raise funds and balance their books with their lavish spending. After last week's developments, Chelsea suddenly no longer needed the money.
Fulham FC vs Chelsea FC - Premier League
Chris Lee's photo – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Money from Chelsea puts Manchester United under pressure
Chelsea eased any dire need for money after a series of sales to the Saudi Pro League.
Ngolo Kante has sealed a move, while Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech are all set to move to Saudi Arabia, The Guardian reports.
It is unclear exactly how much fee Chelsea will receive for each of them, however, you can be sure they will get a bargain, with £25.5m being quoted for Koulibaly.
There is also another sale on the horizon, with Kai Havertz wanted by Arsenal, with The Athletic reporting the Gunners are willing to pay £65m. Another complication comes from City, who are expected to pay up to £30m to sign Mateo Kovacic, Goal reports.
These deals strengthen Chelsea's position in the negotiations as they do not have to accept a low offer, even though Mount's contract expires in 2024.
Ben Jacobs told the Stretford Paddock YouTube channel:
"Look at the numbers Chelsea bring in for some players with links to Saudi Arabia, and possibly Kai Kavertz as well.
"The more money Chelsea bring in, the more they'll keep at Mason Mount."
He added that United's best chance with the deal is for Mason Mount to push a move on his side and make it clear he is not ready to stay.
The deal looked easier than a month ago when it looked like United would really take the initiative and attack soon. Chelsea's desire to penetrate and demand a high fee has created a deadlock, and if so, their hand has grown stronger.
We believe the deal will be done, but with Manchester United it has never been easy.
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