Mane, Aubameyang learn their places in Zidane’s trio of summer targets

Liverpool winger Sadio Mane and Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland are Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane’s top targets for the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Zidane’s top priority in recent windows has been to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and the Frenchman took such steps last summer by bringing Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic to the Spanish capital.

However, neither has managed to produce a consistent goalscoring spark; former Chelsea attacker Hazard has been hit with two injuries and Jovic has only managed two goals in 24 appearances.

As such, the Daily Express claims that Zidane is now looking for the next big signing in his team and has earmarked Mane and Haaland as his two top targets.

Mane has grown in stature at Liverpool since arriving from Southampton to become one of Europe’s most clinical wingers, and he has come up with countless vital contributions this term to help the Reds become Premier League champions-elect.

Haaland, meanwhile, burst onto the scene in September with a hat-trick on his Champions League debut and earned an exciting move to Borussia Dortmund in December, scoring 12 goals in 11 games for the Bundesliga side so far.

However, if Zidane fails to sign his two top targets, the Express adds that Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is his plan B.

The Gabon international is in a precarious position at The Emirates with just over a year remaining on his deal, amid reports that Barcelona and Manchester United are also keen on his services.

 

 

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has previously outlined the importance of the club sitting down with the striker to discuss his future, although it is unclear whether those talks have taken place.

In other news, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly keen on a move for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.

A report claims Dembele is “one of the most attractive players” who could leave the Camp Nou and that the 22-year-old is an “objective” for Klopp.

Read more…