Nabil Fekir is one of the most talented creative midfielders in Europe (Getty Images)
As per Estadio Deportivo (h/t Evening Standard), Real Madrid are interested in signing Real Betis star Nabil Fekir in the summer.
Fekir, 26, came through the ranks of Lyon’s youth system and broke into the senior team in the 2013/14 season. He went on to establish himself in the club and made 193 appearances in his time at the Groupama Stadium, scoring 69 goals and providing 46 assists in the process.
The Frenchman was signed by Real Betis last summer and he has been a key player under Rubi, making 23 appearances across all competitions. His performances have been impressive for both club and country in the last few years.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been inconsistent despite reaching 2nd spot in the La Liga standings. Their last defeat to Betis has put them two points away from league leaders Barcelona before the league got suspended.
Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane should prioritize adding depth to his squad in the summer given most of the players are 30 and beyond. In the midfield department, Luka Modric is in the twilight of his career whereas Casemiro has been playing more than anyone.
Isco, an attacking midfielder by trade, is being deployed as a left-winger due to the long absence of Eden Hazard and James Rodriguez has been frozen by the manager. This leaves Madrid with only Federico Valverde in the midfield, who is fully fit and ready for every game. Therefore, they should bring in reinforcements in the summer and form a strong team.
In that regard, adding Nabil Fekir to the squad would be a good option by the club as he has been in fine form for Betis this season.
The French international is one of the most consistent players in La Liga and was also impressive in the win against Los Blancos two weeks back. He is capable of adding creativity to any team and is a talented footballer.
Predominantly an attacking midfielder, Fekir is also capable of operating on either flank and he can also provide Zidane’s side with the much-needed goals apart from creativity. He could be seen as a replacement for James Rodriguez, who has failed to convince the manager yet.
Two seasons back, the 26-year-old scored 18 goals and provided 7 assists for Lyon in Ligue 1 and if he is able to reproduce that same form for Madrid, he would be a valuable asset for the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid’s midfield has been one of the best in Europe for the past few years but it would be the right time to bring in a change now with some new faces. That would give the manager a different dimension to his game plans.
Therefore, Madrid have to make a prompt attempt for the former Lyon man and lure him to Santiago Bernabeu.
