Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Zeki Celik, a target for Atletico Madrid and valued at €25 million by Lille.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid have set their sights on Zeki Celik over a possible move in next summer’s transfer window. The Turkish international is also being courted by local rivals Atletico Madrid, with Lille setting a price tag of €25 million on him.
Zeki Celik joined Lille from Istanbulspor in the summer of 2018 and has since established himself as one of the best full-backs in Ligue 1. A key figure in Les Dogues’ shock league triumph last term, the 24-year-old has grown in stature enormously in the last three years while becoming a regular for the Turkish national side.
To date, Celik has made 114 appearances for Lille, chipping in with five goals and 11 assists along the way. His progress since joining the Ligue 1 champions has not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe starting to take note of his talents. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are among his suitors.
Real Madrid are desperately scouring the transfer market for viable right-back options amid the fitness woes plaguing Dani Carvajal. The Spanish international has missed a major chunk of game-time due to a spate of injuries in the past year. And with Lucas Vazquez primarily a makeshift option, signing a right-back is imperative for Los Blancos.
To that end, Real Madrid have been linked with several right-backs lately, with Nordi Mukiele among their key targets. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid are also weighing up the possibility of signing a right-back and have recently been linked with Sergi Roberto.
Los Rojiblancos’ reason to engage in a search for a right-back is simple. Sime Vrsaljko is facing an uncertain future at the Wanda Metropolitano, while Kieran Trippier has recently expressed his desire to return to the Premier League. With that in mind, Celik is a viable target for Atletico Madrid, with Tottenham Hotspur also hot on his trails.
The 24-year-old will not cost a bomb either, with Lille demanding €25 million in exchange for his services. A similar price tag has reportedly been quoted for Mukiele, and Real Madrid seem to have a couple of potential value-for-money additions on their radar. With that in mind, it remains to be seen if Real Madrid make their move for Celik or whether Atletico Madrid beat them to his signing.
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