Real Madrid 'step up Amine Gouiri pursuit'

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in securing a deal for Nice forward Amine Gouiri.

Los Blancos have already enjoyed a productive summer in the transfer market, signing the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni from Chelsea and Monaco respectively.

That level of business has led to head coach Carlo Ancelotti stating that he would be bringing in no more fresh faces before the start of September.

Ancelotti's insistence came despite the likes of Isco, Gareth Bale and Luka Jovic all departing the Bernabeu since the end of last season.

Nevertheless, according to Sport, Real are giving consideration to the future by attempting to sign Gouiri.

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The 22-year-old has been contracted to Nice since 2020, contributing an impressive 28 goals and 18 assists from his 84 appearances in all competitions.

His form for a club who does not feature in the top three of French football has naturally led to speculation regarding his long-term future.

Gouiri also has just two years remaining on his contract at Allianz Riviera, leaving Nice in a position where they will need to offer their star man fresh terms or strongly consider a sale.

The report suggests that discussions have taken place regarding either an immediate transfer or Gouiri spending one more season at Nice, potentially on loan.

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Nice are seemingly open to doing business for the latter option and agreeing to sell the playmaker for a fee in the region of €40m (£33.7m).

Real would allegedly prefer to secure his services this summer, although that may come with having to pay a higher fee for the France Under-21 international.

The La Liga champions have allegedly also held an interest in the likes of Chelsea forward Timo Werner and Red Bull Salzburg attacker Benjamin Sesko.

However, it is suggested that Werner would prefer to reunite with RB Leipzig and Sesko is more likely to move to the Premier League.