Real Madrid Transfer News: Theo Hernandez Move Reported, Latest Rumours
Real Madrid are reportedly set to break their "non-aggression pact" with Atletico Madrid by meeting Theo Hernandez's €24 million buyout clause.
According to Marca's Isaac Suarez (adapted by Marc Mayo), a left-back is a "top priority" for Real, and Hernandez fits the bill perfectly as a back-up to Marcelo.
Hernandez has spent the season on loan at Alaves.
The story made the newspaper's cover, per Football Espana:
Hernandez has been a regular for Alaves this season and impressed on the left flank both for his defensive prowess—which has helped Alaves concede the fewest goals outside of La Liga's top seven—and his marauding runs forward.
As noted by ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan during Alaves' 3-0 defeat to Real on Sunday, Hernandez possesses electric pace and can hold his own physically as well:
He's an expert at drawing fouls and is likely targeted by the opposition when he bursts into the final third—according to Squawka he's been brought down 45 times this season, more than any other defender in La Liga.
Discipline is still something of an issue for the 19-year-old, though, as he's received 10 bookings and a red card in La Liga this season as well as being sent off for two yellow cards in the Copa del Rey.
Here's a look at his highlights:
The youngster would make a useful addition to the Los Blancos squad, and there are few better he could hone his trade under than Marcelo.
However, SB Nation's Lucas Navarrete does not believe Real will break their pact with Atletico:
It would certainly be a bold move from the club and potentially jeopardise their relationship with their rivals, so Real would need to weigh up whether that would be worth Hernandez's capture.
Meanwhile, according to Fernando Rodrigo of Diario Gol (h/t The Sun's Fred Nathan), Chelsea have "formally entered the race" to sign Isco and are prepared to pay him £160,000 per week.
The playmaker's deal runs out next summer and he is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract.
Chelsea already have Eden Hazard and Pedro to call on alongside Diego Costa in their forward line and Cesc Fabregas as the creative option in midfield, but Isco would make a fine replacement if any of them were to leave the club.
Per Sky Sports, according to Real boss Zinedine Zidane, the Spaniard is hoping to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As such, it seems more likely they'll be able to come to an accord, but if they don't the Blues have positioned themselves among the teams that will be vying for his signature.
