He's worth 85 million, now he's being considered as an option to replace Benzema at Real Madrid

Real Madrid continues to work in the transfer market despite officially announcing the closure of their squad with the signings of Fran García, Brahim Díaz, Joselu, and Bellingham. Although the official version indicates that there will be no further additions, the offices at Valdebebas remain a hotbed of activity and ongoing negotiations.

While there is no rush to close signings, the last summer reinforcement will arrive in less than two months, according to Carlo Ancelotti's explicit request. The Italian coach is not satisfied with the current squad after the recent additions and believes that they need a reliable center forward.

To regain dominance in LaLiga and succeed in the pursuit of the fifteenth Champions League title, Ancelotti needs a dependable number nine. Otherwise, the team would play without a traditional center forward, with Vinicius and Rodrygo in attacking positions and Bellingham as a false nine dropping from midfield.

Ancelotti has made it clear that Joselu will be Mariano's replacement, not Benzema's. While Joselu will have more minutes than Mariano, he does not meet the requirements that Ancelotti is looking for in Benzema's replacement.

Could be the option

This was agreed upon in a meeting between Ancelotti, Florentino Pérez, and José Ángel Sánchez at the end of the season. Florentino is not willing to make a high-profile signing mainly because the arrival of Mbappé is expected. However, there are options in the market, such as Argentine Lautaro Martínez from Inter Milan.