Kylian Mbappe, the superstar of Real Madrid, has reportedly encouraged the club to recruit a standout French defender. Meanwhile, a Chelsea player viewed as an ideal match for the Bernabeu is hoping to make a move to Spain in 2026.
The LaLiga giants are expected to refresh their defense this summer, and Mbappe seems to have a say in potential acquisitions.
The Real Madrid star is advocating for the club to look within France for a player recognized as one of the finest centre-back talents in Europe.
Mbappe Advocates for Rennes Defensive Star
The player in question is Jeremy Jacquet. Recent reports indicate that Chelsea will need to act quickly if they are interested in signing him, as interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Liverpool is intensifying.
Real Madrid’s quest for new defensive talent is prompted by the anticipated departures of veterans David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger at the end of the current season.
Mbappe’s preference for Jacquet is emphasized by the Spanish outlet Defensa Central, which notes: “Kylian Mbappé directly influenced the signing effort for Jacquet and has convinced the club’s management of his value.” Despite just being 20, Jacquet has proven himself as one of France’s top central defenders.
Real Madrid Pursues Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez
Top Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is reportedly looking to join Real Madrid in 2026 following the departure of manager Enzo Maresca. TEAMtalk has explored the possibilities surrounding this transfer.
Fernandez praised Maresca on X upon his departure, indicating that the exit could pave the way for his long-anticipated move to the Bernabeu, as highlighted by the Catalan media outlet E-Noticies.
While E-Noticies isn’t the most reliable source, Real Madrid’s interest in Fernandez is genuine. Reports from October mentioned Fernandez’s openness to a move, with Real preferring him over Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister. Although no imminent exit from Chelsea is expected, managerial changes can lead to personnel shifts, keeping options open.
Leeds United Rejected for Gonzalo Garcia
Sources indicate that Leeds United’s recent attempt to secure Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia has been declined. The Premier League club is seeking a new striker as they face relegation threats.
Leeds had previously expressed intentions to make a £17 million (€19.6m, $23m) bid for the 21-year-old, who has found it hard to secure a starting spot due to Kylian Mbappe’s presence in the team.
Additionally, after Leeds and Sunderland made inquiries about Garcia in December, they were informed that the player is no longer available. Coach Xabi Alonso has expressed that he does not wish for Garcia to leave, especially following the young striker’s impressive hat-trick performance against Real Betis.
