Real Madrid intent on blocking Atletico Madrid’s bid to sign defensive target | OneFootball

In the midst of an injury crisis, Real Madrid are tracking several players in the market, as they look to reinforce their ranks across all verticals.

The club are specifically looking for a new left-back, with Miguel Gutierrez emerging as one of the top targets.

The former Real Madrid youth player, who is currently enjoying a solid spell at Girona, has emerged as the ideal alternative to Alphonso Davies, whose future remains unclear till date.

However, Real Madrid are set to face stiff competition from arch-rivals Atletico Madrid, in the race to sign Gutierrez next summer.

Real Madrid keen on disrupting Atleti pursuit

According to El Gol Digital (h/t Real Madrid Confidencial), Real Madrid have gotten increasingly active in the Gutierrez pursuit, especially after learning Atletico Madrid’s interest.

The reigning Spanish champions are determined to block Atleti’s pursuit by activating a buyback clause that is present in Gutierrez’s clause.

Real Madrid are keen on acquiring the services of Miguel Gutierrez (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The clause is valued at around €9 million and can be activated in the summer of 2025. However, if Real Madrid delay further, the value of the clause will increase by a million euros every year.

As such, the value of the clause could increase to €10 million in the summer of 2026. However, it is unlikely Real Madrid would want to wait that far out.

Real Madrid’s objective, aside from strengthening their ranks at left-back, is to prevent a direct competitor like Atletico Madrid to reinforce themselves.

That is why Los Blancos have taken initiative and are considering a move ahead in the pursuit of Gutierrez, though the player, for his part, has not yet shown any desire to leave Girona for now.