Arsenal and Liverpool make contact with Real Madrid man’s reps | OneFootball

Reports suggest a summer transfer saga could be brewing around Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy.

French outlet L’Équipe claims both Arsenal and Liverpool have reached out to Mendy’s representatives. With his contract set to expire in 2025, the Frenchman could bring much-needed defensive reinforcements to either Premier League side.

Real Madrid’s French defender #23 Ferland Mendy (R) heads the ball during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 2 Group C football match Napoli vs Real Madrid at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples on October 3, 2023. (Photo by Carlo Hermann / AFP) (Photo by CARLO HERMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly initiated contact with the representatives of Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy, according to French outlet L’Equipe. The 28-year-old left-back is nearing the final year of his contract at the Santiago Bernabéu, making him a potential target for clubs seeking defensive reinforcements.

Mendy’s apparent availability stems from two key factors. Firstly, his contract situation. With just one year remaining on his deal, Real Madrid may be open to cashing in on the Frenchman to avoid losing him for free next summer.

Secondly, Los Blancos are reportedly keen on securing Bayern Munich‘s Alphonso Davies, whose contract also expires in 2025.

Bayern Munich’s German forward #10 Leroy Sane and Real Madrid’s French defender #23 Ferland Mendy vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between FC Bayern Munich and Real Madrid CF on April 30, 2024 in Munich, southern Germany. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

While Mendy has been a dependable presence for Real Madrid, his recent performances reportedly haven’t always convinced manager Carlo Ancelotti. This has opened the door for interest from Premier League clubs.

Arsenal, in particular, have struggled to settle on a consistent left-back option this season, with Mikel Arteta deploying the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the role with injuries impacting two of those three.

Liverpool, on the other hand, boast a strong left-back in Andy Robertson, but Mendy could provide valuable depth and competition for the Scotland international. Additionally, reports suggest that clubs like Newcastle United and Napoli have also expressed interest in Mendy, although the Frenchman is said to be uninterested in a move to a team outside of the Champions League.

However, a potential stumbling block for both Arsenal and Liverpool could be Bayern Munich. If the Spanish giants fail to land Davies, Real Madrid may turn their attention back to Mendy and keeping him at the club.

There is also the option that this is all just nonsense. With Mendy’s contract expiring in 2025, his representatives may be leveraging interest (or even inventing it) from top European teams to gain a stronger negotiating position with Real Madrid.

Reports linking Mendy to Arsenal and Liverpool could be more about securing a better contract at his current club than a genuine desire for a Premier League move.