Weekly Football News Catch Up: February 19th: Benzema’s Replacement; Former Club Interested In Tuchel; Arteta Wants New Midfielder

Real Madrid Identifies Two Strikers To Replace Benzema

Real Madrid has begun to make preparations for the future after Karim Benzema at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2023.

Real Madrid’s talisman in recent years as the Los Blancos seek to contend in both domestic and European championships has been Karim Benzema.

The 35-year-old’s contributions to Real Madrid have increased thanks to his goals and standout performances, and Benzema was awarded the Ballon d’Or for 2022.

But, the La Liga champions are making plans for the long term, past Benzema’s retirement, and have already identified two prospects to succeed him.

According to ESPN, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, along with Tottenham’s Richarlison, are significant targets for the current UEFA Champions League defending champions.

With Benzema’s contract running through 2024, the next 12 months could be very crucial as Madrid looks to bring in a long-term successor for the striker.

I Convinced Frenkie de Jong Not To Go To Manchester United – Ter Stegen

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the goalkeeper for Barcelona, has shared how he spoke with Frenkie de Jong last summer and pushed him to turn down a move to Manchester United.

De Jong was Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag’s top target, and the two had previously worked at Ajax. Man United spent months in negotiations with Barcelona to try and secure a deal for De Jong.

De Jong’s unpaid salaries, as well as the dispute over who should pay them, hampered the transfer, which ultimately led to its collapse.

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Speaking prior to Thursday’s Europa League match between Barcelona and Manchester United, Ter Stegen told The Times: “I was hoping he [De Jong] would stay because this is the type of player I want to have in my team.

“There were many rumours, discussions and whatever, but I’m just happy that he’s here and I don’t want him to leave.

“I want to make very clear, when I talked to him I tried to [make him stay]. One day I will just put him in something here [he pretends to tie a rope around a chair leg] to keep him here always. I hope he’ll be here for a long time.”

Arteta Asks Arsenal To Sign Real Sociedad’s Midfielder

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has asked the club to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, 24, during the summer transfer season.

Zubimendi is open to joining Arsenal at the conclusion of the season after turning down a January move to the Premier League leaders because he wanted to finish the season with Real Sociedad.

Real Sociedad had notified Arsenal that Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause must be activated in order for the trade to take place.

But, according to Sport, Arteta has now personally requested that Arsenal’s leadership bring in Zubimendi in the summer.

Arsenal will have to compete with Barcelona, who is also interested in Zubimendi.

Zubimendi has appeared in 26 games for Real Sociedad this season, appearing in all competitions.

Lo Monaco Names Victor Osimhen Best Napoli Striker Ever

Victor Osimhen, according to Catania managing director Peter Lo Monaco, is the best striker to have played for Serie A side Napoli.

With his outstanding performances for Napoli, Osimhen is currently regarded as one of the top strikers in the world.

This season, the Nigerian international has 17 goals in 18 league games for the Partenopei.

During their time at the Diego Armando Maradona, Gonzalo Higuain and Edison Cavani were popular figures.

Nonetheless, Lo Monaco believes Osimhen is superior to the duo.

Lo Monaco told Napoli Magazine, “The strongest striker of the De Laurentiis era is Osimhen.

“Osimhen can still give a lot. After Osimhen, the next two are Higuain and Cavani. We are talking about three immense players. Osimhen can still reach top levels like Haaland.” he added.

Thomas Tuchel Link In A Move Back To Former Club

According to RMC, Paris Saint-Germain is poised to rehire Thomas Tuchel as manager.

As their season stalls, Christophe Galtier is under pressure at the Parc des Princes.

PSG’s top choice to replace Galtier is thought to be Zinedine Zidane, but Tuchel has supporters within the club as well.

Todd Boehly sacked the former Chelsea manager in September, and he is still unemployed.

Tuchel led PSG for three seasons before being fired on Christmas Eve 2020 by president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.