Real Madrid Transfer News: Nicolas Otamendi Eyed, Latest Iker Casillas Rumours

Real Madrid could capitalise on Manchester United’s hesitant pursuit of Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, according to reports.

Paul Brown of the Daily Star wrote that the player’s agent has already held talks with Los Blancos' representatives about a potential deal. The piece notes that sources claim the Red Devils have already struck a “verbal agreement” with the Argentina international but have only offered £25 million as an opening bid; Otamendi’s release clause is £35 million.

Bleacher Report's Guillem Balague ran the rule over what the 27-year-old would add:

Under the astute tutelage of Nuno Santo, Los Che finished an impressive fourth in La Liga last season, and much of their success was founded upon the resolute defensive skills possessed by the former Porto man.

As noted here by OptaJose, Otamendi is an uncompromising figure at the back for Valencia:

But there’s much more to the man than brute physicality. Stationed at the base of a cohesive team, Otamendi bristles with wily defensive instincts, is sharp in his decision-making and is an understated technician, too.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

For new Real manager Rafael Benitez, a coach renowned for his appreciation of pragmatic players, the Valencia man would be an ideal fit. Los Blancos aren’t short of centre-back options with Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Raphael Varane in situ, but Otamendi has only enriched his reputation as one of the very best defenders in La Liga.

He definitely outperformed all of Real’s options in the position last season, as we can see here courtesy of uMAXit Football:

The merits of signing Otamendi are obvious. He’s still young for a central defender, is familiar with Spanish football’s top flight and fits in perfectly with the principles of the club’s new manager.

But at this juncture, with three class options in the squad already, there are other positions in need of addressing before Real splash out £35 million on the centre-back.

Iker Casillas In Demand

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

The future of iconic Real stopper Iker Casillas looks set to be one of the most intriguing transfer tales of the summer, and according to the Independent (h/t Sport) the Spanish international is keen on joining a team from London.

That’ll be encouraging for supporters of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, who are both apparently interested in the World Cup winner. The aforementioned piece notes that the latter will chase Casillas should Hugo Lloris go to Manchester United; the Frenchman is apparently viewed as a potential replacement for Red Devils star David De Gea, who is tipped to fill the void left by the departing Iker in Madrid.

The piece also outlines where the Gunners fit into this transfer merry-go-round:

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The triangle of interest could only frustrate Arsenal. The Gunners would like to solve their goalkeeping problems of David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny by offering Casillas Champions League football, as their neighbours Tottenham are only participating in the Europa League next season.

Casillas, who still has two years left on his contract in Madrid, would have to be compensated with 14.5 million euros net to rescind his existing deal with Los Blancos.

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Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Such is his synonymy with the Santiago Bernabeu club that it’s tough to imagine Casillas playing anywhere else. He’s been a crucial part of Real’s success this century and was long regarded as the finest goalkeeper on the planet during his peak years.

But as noted in the aforementioned piece, it seems as though Los Blancos now see De Gea as the future. As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, there’s now very little between the two compatriots:

As peculiar as it would be to see Casillas lining up for a side in the Premier League, perhaps a change of scenery is exactly what he needs. At the age of 34, he still has a long time left at the elite level, and although his performances have slumped this season at vital moments, a fresh start could stir some renewed ambition in this one-club man.

For the side that signs him, Casillas would be a tremendous acquisition; there are few men in history more decorated, after all.

The Spaniard is still a quality operator between the sticks, but should Spurs or Arsenal snap him up, his leadership, experience and winning mentality would ensure they’re getting a lot more than just a goalkeeper.