Real Madrid: William Carvalho
Remember when Real Madrid sold Claude Makelele and struggled for years? Well, the situation isn’t quite like that, and the Blancos have been imperious in recent years but defensive midfield is still an area they’re short of players in. Casameiro has got a lot of playing time, because he’s a quality player but also because Madrid simply don’t have an alternative in the middle of the park.
Madrid were earlier linked with N’Golo Kante, meaning that they’re not completely oblivious to their need for a player with his characteristics. They’ve already missed out of the Frenchman, but William Carvalho would be a more than able alternative.
Likelihood Rating – 3/10 (So they haven’t really been any credible links on this transfer, but it would only take an injury to Casameiro to make Madrid realize they don’t have another defensive midfielder. Enter Carvalho.)
Atletico Madrid: Diego Costa
Atletico’s need for a center forward who can hold up the ball was as clear as ever in their opening La Liga match. Kevin Gameiro is a quick and technically proficient player, but he’s not someone who can batter opposition defenses and hold up the ball, attributes that Atletico need for their style of play.
It was no secret that they’d been pursuing Diego Costa all summer and even though that pursuit seems to have reached a dead end, there might yet be a possibility in bringing him back to the Vicente Calderon.
Chelsea have been keen on bringing back a former player of their own in Romelu Lukaku, and if this unlikely transfer were to take place, Costa could find himself on a plane to Madrid soon after.
Also Read: Conte uncertain over Diego Costa’s future
Likelihood Rating – 2/10 (Another most likely unfulfilled dream on our list. But Diego Costa can’t be too thrilled by the flak he recieves on English shores and Batshuayi has been in great form. Never say never.)
