Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola issues emphatic response when asked if Real Madrid should sign Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has advised Real Madrid to sign Kylian Mbappe over Erling Haaland, explaining that the Frenchman not only scores frequently but also contributes to the build-up.

Real Madrid have long been linked with Manchester City ace Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe. Many expected Mbappe to sign for Madrid last summer, but the Frenchman instead signed a three-year extension with PSG. Haaland, meanwhile, joined City in a €60 million deal from Borussia Dortmund.

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Real Madrid have once again been credited with an interest in Haaland and Mbappe. Diario AS asked Chelsea icon Zola to step into Madrid president Florentino Perez’s shoes and make his pick from the pair. Zola picked the Frenchman, elaborating:

“I think that Kylian Mbappe could be better for how he plays in the Spanish League. There perhaps an attacker who plays is more necessary, not so much that he focuses only on the goal. More to intervene in the action than in defining. I think Kylian would adapt more to Madrid and the Spanish championship. But they are two very important players.”

Zola concluded hilariously:

“Let's do one thing: one to Madrid and the one that is left over, to Chelsea.”

Mbappe has been in impressive form for PSG, scoring 31 goals and claiming eight assists in 35 appearances across competitions. Haaland, meanwhile, has netted a whopping 44 times - the most goals in the top five leagues - and provided five assists in 38 games this season across competitions.

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Carlo Ancelotti pledges loyalty to Real Madrid amid Chelsea and Brazil links

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly the top pick to become Brazil's next manager. The position has remained vacant since Tite stepped down after the Selecao's elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in the quarterfinals.

Ancelotti has also been linked with the Chelsea job (via GOAL). The Stamford Bridge outfit are looking for an experienced manager with a proven track record, and Ancelotti is seen as a solid option.

The Italian, though, has refused to pay these reports any heed, declaring that he intends to honour his Real Madrid contract. When asked to comment on his future, Ancelotti said on Radio Rai 1 (via GOAL):

“There's a nice saying which is just right: the wind carries away the chatter. And that's it, I have a contract until June 30, 2024, and I'd like to respect it.”

Trailing Barcelona by a massive 12 points in La Liga, Los Blancos must do well in the Champions League to keep Ancelotti’s job secure. If they overcome Chelsea in the quarter-finals, they will have to beat either Bayern Munich or Manchester City to reach the final.

If they don't win the Champions League, winning the Copa del Rey (final vs Osasuna on May 6) alone might not be enough to save Ancelotti’s job.