Real Madrid are refusing to meet Eintracht Frankfurt’s ever-increasing asking price for striker Luka Jovic after being close to signing him earlier.
Real Madrid are ready to overhaul their squad this summer with new arrivals expected to join the La Liga giants. However, the former Champions League winners will not pay over the odds for any player to make a transfer happen. Marca are reporting that Madrid are ready to cool their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic following yet another increase in his price.
Just about a week or so, Real Madrid were very close to signing Jovic from Frankfurt. The Blancos had reportedly agreed on personal terms and a €60 million fee with Frankfurt for the Serbian. However, new reports have emerged which suggest the German side are demanding nearly €100 million for the striker after many other clubs registered their interest.
Madrid, despite their likeness of the player, will now look for other options as they refuse to enter a bidding war for the striker. Real believe Jovic, despite his prolific season has not proved much for the club to be paying over the odds. Jovic, after flopping at Benfica, has shined at Frankfurt, but he has had a year or so at the very top. The Spanish side are still willing to sign the striker if a deal to the tune of €50 million could be agreed.
Barcelona were also thought to be in the mix for the striker. The Blaugrana are in the market to sign a new No.9 as they are concerned with Luis Suarez’ long term future at the club. Additionally, they do not have a viable back-up striker in their side, and Jovic fit the bill for someone they can rely on for the future.
Barcelona reportedly enquired with Frankfurt about Jovic, but have since resigned from the chase. Bayern Munich and Chelsea were also reportedly in the hunt, but have so far been stunned by Frankfurt’s asking price. The Blues want a new No.9 after enduring a season with strikers that were not up to the mark.
Back to Real Madrid, and Zinedine Zidane is looking to replace Karim Benzema, despite the Frenchman’s most prolific season since joining the club more than 10 years ago. After a disastrous season on all fronts, which saw Madrid crash out of every single competition and three managerial changes, Jovic among others are the targeted players in the upcoming summer window.
As for Eintracht Frankfurt, inflating the price for their prized asset could backfire on them. On one side, Madrid could be right to go cold on his pursuit, citing the price increase, but others bowing out too is a warning sign for Frankfurt. If they do not comply with the market standards and look to sell him for a higher price, they may not be able to do so and have to stick with him for another season, which could go in any direction.
