Taxes José Mourinho (63), Benfica manager, who is set to return to Real Madrid, is reported to have already submitted a shocking transfer list to the club.
British outlet TeamTalk, citing Spanish media on the 13th (Korean time), reported that Mourinho has already agreed to a three-year contract with Real Madrid and is expected to take the helm this summer, succeeding Álvaro Arbeloa (43).
In particular, the outlet said Mourinho asked club president Florentino Pérez (79) for key targets to strengthen the squad, emphasizing that Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli (25, Arsenal) was on that list.
Martinelli is a winger who was once praised as a "once-in-a-century talent" by former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp (59). Martinelli, who moved from Brazil to Arsenal in 2019, has totaled 275 appearances with 62 goals and 35 assists, including 11 goals and six assists in 50 matches this season.
Although Martinelli made only 10 league starts this season (1 goal, 3 assists), he scored six goals and provided two assists in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League, showing he performs well on the big stage.
Mourinho expects the talented Martinelli's potential and explosiveness to spur Vinícius Júnior and inject new energy into Real Madrid's flanks.
However, Martinelli's contract with Arsenal runs until the summer of 2027 and includes a one-year extension option. With Arsenal leading the league, it is uncertain whether they would easily let go of a key asset like Martinelli.
Mourinho's ambitions do not stop there. He strongly urged president Pérez to sign Ballon d'Or winner Rodri (30, Manchester City) to provide stability in midfield.
President Pérez also reportedly reacted positively to the signing, believing Rodri could provide the midfield control Real Madrid lacked this season.
In addition to Martinelli, Mourinho is said to have listed Michael Olise (25, Bayern Munich) and Kenan Yildiz (21, Juventus) as transfer targets.
Mourinho is currently serving as Benfica's manager. However, he is reported to have already reached a principal agreement with Real Madrid. Mourinho previously led Real from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga among other achievements.
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