'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What’s the rumour?
As per reports from Marca, Real Madrid have identified Roma's Alisson Becker as their no.1 goalkeeper target this summer. The Brazilian is seen as a cheaper alternative to David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois.
In case you didn't know...
Alisson has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Roma this campaign. His excellent performances have caught the eye of Real Madrid, who have been in the market for a goalkeeper for a long time.
The 25-year-old was signed by Roma from Internacional in 2016. He had to wait for his chances and was an understudy to Wojciech Szczęsny in his debut season. Following Szczesny's transfer to Juventus last summer, Alisson became their no.1 and has cemented his position.
His brilliant outings have seen him start ahead of Manchester City's Ederson for the Brazilian national team and he was even named as their captain for the recent international friendlies. He is nearing 200 appearances for club and country.
The heart of the matter
Real Madrid have been in pursuit of a goalkeeper for the past two or three years and two names that were heavily linked with them were David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois. However, they decided to persist with Keylor Navas who did a pretty good job last season.
Recently, both de Gea and Courtois have also expressed their desire to stay put. As a result, Madrid are looking at other options and Alisson has emerged as their prime target. As per reports, he will require a smaller transfer fee between €50 and €60 million and his wages will be substantially lower when compared to de Gea and Courtois. His contract with Roma runs out only in 2021.
Rumour rating/probability - 8/10
Many sources are reporting the news and it appears as if Madrid have given up on their quest to sign de Gea and will now turn to the Brazilian.
Video: The best bits of Alisson in 2018
Author’s take
Madrid are almost certain to buy a goalkeeper this summer and with moves for de Gea and Courtois stalling, Alisson appears to be their next best bet. He has huge potential and can be the mainstay between their sticks for years to come.
