Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race to secure the signing of Brazilian midfielder Gerson from Brazilian club Flamengo in the upcoming transfer window.
According to a report from ESPN Brazil, as relayed by Spanish publication Fichajes, La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid have set their sights on Flamengo mainstay Gerson as a target to bolster their midfield unit in the summer transfer window.
Gerson came through the youth ranks at Brazilian club Fluminense and after making quite the splash upon his first-team breakthrough, made the switch to Europe, signing for AS Roma in 2016. However, the 24-year-old endured a forgettable time in the Italian capital and after three years in the country, that also involved a loan spell at Fiorentina, he returned to his homeland, signing for Flamengo in 2019.
Since signing for the Brazilian heavyweights, Gerson has been able to get his career back on track in style. Indeed, the 24-year-old has managed to make 96 appearances for Flamengo, scoring six goals and setting up ten more, in the process, winning two league titles, one Brazilian Super Cup and one Copa Libertadores as well.
And, Gerson’s rise to prominence in Brazil has once again led to strong interest from Europe, with Barcelona said to be keen on landing the 24-year-old. While rumours on those front have gone quiet of late, it is Real Madrid who have now emerged as contenders to sign up the Brazilian midfielder in the upcoming summer.
Real Madrid are in need of a major overhaul this summer after a disappointing season that ended with no silverware. Indeed, the Merengues are in need of replacing ageing players across all departments of the pitch, including midfield, where Luka Modric, despite enjoying a strong campaign, is very much in the final phase of his career.
In addition to that, Toni Kroos is also in his thirties while Casemiro is also close to being 30 years old and hasn’t had a proper cover for him for ages at Real Madrid. With Federico Valverde not enjoying the same level of success as the 2019/20 campaign, it becomes imperative for the Spanish capital outfit to bring in a new central midfielder who can provide backup to the first-choice before eventually replacing them.
While Eduardo Camavinga has, for the longest time, been one of Real Madrid’s primary targets, it seems like they are keen on keeping their options, with Gerson now emerging as a viable option. Indeed, the report even goes on to claim that Los Blancos’ president, Florentino Perez is intent on making the deal happen and could be soon set for a meeting with Gerson and his father.
However, an alternate report form Globo Esporte (h/t Fichajes), claims that Gerson is headed to Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille, with the club in advanced negotiations with Flamengo over a summer move. It remains to be seen as to whether the 24-year-old Brazilian ends up at Real Madrid in the upcoming summer transfer window or if they are forced to consider alternative targets such as Yves Bissouma.
