Real Madrid set to land Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes on $35 million transfer

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Real Madrid set to land Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes on $35 million transfer image

Real Madrid are in advanced talks to sign teenage star Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes for a transfer fee reported to be over $35 million.

The club is set to beat out several other high-profile suitors for one of the most prized acquisitions of the summer window. The midfielder will be joining Real Madrid on a five-year deal.

Los Blancos turned their focus to 18-year-old Camavinga after reportedly pulling out of negotiations for PSG striker Kylian Mbappe. PSG weren't a willing negotiator, according to reports, and Real Madrid moved on with one day remaining in the European transfer window which closes on Tuesday, August 31.

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Real Madrid beats competition to Camavinga

Among the clubs that have been linked with a move for Camavinga are European giants Manchester United and PSG.

Camavinga broke through with the Rennes senior side as a 16-year-old in 2019 and he has since emerged as one of the continent's in-demand young prospects. He became the third-youngest player in France national team history when he made his debut for the world champs in a 4-2 Nations League win over Croatia in September 2020. The following month, he became France's second-youngest scorer ever when he tallied against Ukraine.

Rumors over the years had Rennes demanding a transfer fee that apparently reached $117 million, but Camavinga can be acquired at a fraction of that valuation since he has just one year remaining on his contract at Rennes. Since he hasn't signed a new deal with Rennes, he would be able to depart for free next summer. That's one of the reasons he has started just one of the French club's first six matches of the new season.

Real Madrid had funds available to spend after seeing their bids for Mbappe rejected by PSG. Camavinga will bring some youth and dynamism to a central midfield that is led by 29-year-old Casemiro, 35-year-old Luka Modric and 31-year-old Toni Kroos, who is still recovering from injury.

Los Blancos started their La Liga season on a positive note with two wins and a draw. The club will begin UEFA Champions League group stage play in September against Group D opponents Inter Milan (Italy), Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) and Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova).

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