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What's the story?
Real Madrid is willing to spend huge in the winter transfer window as it hunts for a world-class goalscorer. The Los Blancos are currently enduring a tough season after the key departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus and are currently placed third in the La Liga, 10 points behind their arch-rivals and league leaders Barcelona.
According to reputed media outlet, Daily Star, the Los Blancos are planning to make a shock move for Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino. The Spanish giants are willing to spill the cash in their hunt for Ronaldo's replacement and the Brazilian sharpshooter tops their wish list.
In case you didn't know...
The 27-year-old Brazilian forward, with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane form one of the deadliest forward lines at the moment.
Firmino is a key piece in the Liverpool squad as his nine goals and three assists have helped the Merseyside team stay on top of the Premier League. There is also no doubt that Firmino's exploits helped Liverpool on their way to UEFA Champions League final last season.
A master at opening up defenses, Firmino terrorizes the opponent's rearguard by creating spaces for his teammates with his movements and brilliant link-up play.
The heart of the matter
Real Madrid has endured a bit of a downfall since the departure of their greatest goalscorer to Serie A giants Juventus. Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously irreplaceable, but Florentino Perez has also failed to bring in any world-class reinforcements after his departure.
It is crystal clear that forwards like Benzema, Mariano, Bale, and Asensio are miles behind Ronaldo as they failed to step up this season. Moreover, Los Blancos are dealing with multiple injuries and off form of key players which have hampered their hopes for any major silverware this season.
There is no doubt that Real Madrid is desperate for reinforcements and to increase the depth of its forward line and Liverpool's sharpshooter will be a perfect fit for the Los Blancos.
According to the report, Firmino will also play a key role in persuading another one of Real Madrid's top target and his teammate, Neymar Jr., to play for the Spanish giants next season.
Rumor rating: 6/10
It looks extremely unlikely that Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool will let Firmino go. However, if Real Madrid comes calling and splashes the cash, it will be hard for a player to refuse the move.
What's next?
Liverpool is on top of the Premier League and it seems unlikely that a pivotal player like Firmino will switch clubs in the winter transfer window.
But Real Madrid will be willing to seal the deal in their hunt for a world-class striker and the Liverpool ace may be persuaded to join Los Blancos in the summer transfer window.
