Florentino Perez and Kylian Mbappe (Photo by Angel Martinez, David Ramos/Getty Images)
Real Madrid are reportedly lining up an ambitious transfer up front after the poor performances of Kylian Mbappe in both Champions League defeats against Arsenal.
The France international was pretty anonymous in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final tie against the Gunners, and it could be that Los Blancos need something different in attack.
Mbappe only joined Real last summer, and has good numbers in his first season at the Bernabeu, with 32 goals and four assists in all competitions.
Still, there are perhaps legitimate questions to be asked about how well Mbappe fits into this Madrid side tactically, especially in the big games.
Erling Haaland transfer being eyed to replace Kylian Mbappe?
It might seem rash, but Fichajes are now linking Real Madrid with an ambitious move for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, so could he being lined up as Mbappe’s replacement?
Los Blancos most likely won’t be giving up on Mbappe just yet, but perhaps there’s room for Haaland to come in as well and give the team a new-look front three.
Mbappe and Vinicius don’t necessarily complement each other that well, so perhaps Real would be ready to use Haaland as the team’s central striker, shifting Mbappe out wide to replace Vinicius.
Either way, something needs to change as Real really didn’t trouble Arsenal much at the Emirates Stadium or the Bernabeu.
Mbappe might fare better if he’s not the central figure up front, so Haaland could be an ideal strike partner for him.
The Norway international has been an incredibly prolific performer for City, and they only recently tied him down to a new long-term contract.
One imagines Haaland isn’t particularly likely to be on the move any time soon, but it will be interesting to keep an eye to see how this story develops in the weeks and months ahead, especially if Mbappe’s form doesn’t improve.
