Lille Trio on Real Madrid’s List of Transfer Targets

Lille have been one of the surprise packages this season in Ligue 1. Despite losing their talisman to Arsenal this summer, Nicolas Pepe, the team are flying high in the 4^th position. The French side also impressed in the Champions League, proving they belonged with strong performances against Valencia, Ajax, and Chelsea. Lille is built off a base of three young stars – 20-year-old French central midfielder Boubakary Soumare, 21-year-old striker Victor Osimhen, and 22-year-old Brazilian center back Gabriel. MARCA produced a cover feature with all three players stating that each is on Real Madrid’s radar.

Given Zinedine Zidane’s familiarity with the Ligue 1 and its players, having recommended Hazard to Real Madrid when he was still at Lille and his influence in the Varane signing when the player was at 18-years-old at Lens, this story would make sense. It also follows Real Madrid’s new policy of signing the best young players in the world. Whether or not all three players are necessities is another question entirely.

In an aid to make room for any non-EU players, MARCA also reported that Real Madrid have already taken steps to get Vinicius JR a Spanish passport. With targets like Osimhen, Gabriel, and even young Brazilian Reiner Jesus of Flamengo, the club will be making it a priority to free up as many non-EU spots as possible.