Real Madrid Enter Three-Way Battle with Bayern Munich and Chelsea for €60 Million Striker Target
Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Stuttgart's forward Nick Woltemade, with the Spanish giants facing competition from European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Chelsea for his signature.
Following a campaign plagued by defensive struggles, Real Madrid utilized the initial summer transfer period to strengthen Xabi Alonso's defensive line. The Madrid club acquired 20-year-old central defender Dean Huijsen and secured former Liverpool standout Trent Alexander-Arnold. They had also targeted Benfica's Álvaro Carreras but failed to complete the transfer before the FIFA Club World Cup commenced.
Having addressed most of their pressing defensive concerns, Real Madrid are gradually shifting focus toward offensive additions. The La Liga second-place finishers are preparing to welcome 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono to Madrid at summer's end, while reportedly considering another promising attacking talent.
MARCA disclosed that Real Madrid have identified Woltemade as a target in their quest for attacking reinforcements. The 23-year-old forward has impressed representing Germany at the European U21 Championship, netting six goals and providing three assists across just four matches.
The forward is also fresh off a productive 17-goal campaign with Stuttgart. Notably, Woltemade found the net four times in his last four outings for the German club before joining Germany's UEFA Nations League squad.
Real Madrid are said to be captivated by Woltemade's positioning and "his natural goal-scoring instinct". However, they face stiff competition, as both Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also pursuing the talented striker.
Stuttgart have reportedly established a €60 million (£51.3 million, $70.3 million) valuation for Woltemade. While Real Madrid have historically invested heavily in elite talent, they must evaluate whether this price tag justifies an attacking addition given Gonzalo García's impressive Club World Cup performances.
Alonso may already possess the young striker he requires without any financial outlay. García has featured in three matches in the United States, contributing two goals and one assist. Los Blancos face a decision between nurturing their Real Madrid Castilla graduate or competing with Chelsea and Bayern Munich for Woltemade's services.