Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Paul Pogba, Pierre-Emerick Aubemyang Rumours

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Real Madrid wanted to sign Paul Pogba before the midfielder joined former club Manchester United for a world-record transfer fee in the summer.

Speaking to Spanish radio station RMC (h/t Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News), Zidane made it clear initial talks took place: “It could have happened. There were conversations, but it didn’t go ahead.”

Luckhurst also linked to comments from Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola, confirming interest from Los Blancos during the transfer window. Raiola revealed all during an interview with Telefoot back in late August (h/t Luckhurst):

Zidane wanted him at Real Madrid but there were another five or six clubs following him as well. Manchester United are now a lot stronger thanks to him, whilst Real Madrid are not.

I never spoke about the market with Pogba whilst he was playing at the European Championship, and then he went on holiday because he was very disappointed.

It was only when I arrived in Miami was it when things were put in motion. He explained to me what he wanted. Manchester is his home.

Zidane may have wanted Pogba, but it’s not clear exactly where the France international would have fit in a squad already well-stocked in midfield.

It’s a balance revealed by a perfectly complementary trio combining various essential attributes. Brazilian Casemiro is the physical destroyer, while Luka Modric is the cerebral playmaker. Their efforts are augmented by the engine, movement and eye for goal of German workhorse Toni Kroos.

This group was key to Real winning the UEFA Champions League last season. It would take a brave manager to disband the star-studded trio, even though Pogba’s potential is enticing.

There’s no …

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