Their signing of the Argentina international was a long time in the making, and many other clubs were interested too

The second target is Ibrahima Konaté, a center back from Liverpool, whose physical strength and international experience fit the defensive needs of the club. With doubts about the continuity and reliability of Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger's age, the Frenchman is emerging as the ideal replacement to ensure long-term solidity.

Franco Mastantuono has admitted a phone call from Xabi Alonso helped him choose Real Madrid over Paris Saint-Germain.