Real Madrid submit offer for Osasuna’s prolific striker Ante Budimir

Real Madrid have submitted their bid to sign Osasuna striker Ante Budimir this summer (h/t Diario Sport).

Los Blancos relied on Kylian Mbappe as their sole No.9 last season. The French man didn’t disappoint as he scored the bulk of Madrid’s goals, eventually winning the La Liga’s top scorer award.

Brazilian teenage prodigy Endrick Felipe showed a glimpse of his talent in his debut campaign, however, Madrid believe he is too young to be a bankable understudy.

Los Merengues want to ease Mbappe’s workload heading into the new season, and they are looking for an experienced back-up in the ilk of former striker Joselu.

Joselu had a remarkable stint at Madrid during the 2023/24 season, scoring decisive goals as a super substitute to inspire them to La Liga and Champions League titles.

Madrid want to follow a similar blueprint of recruiting a low-cost centre-forward, earmarking Budimir as their top target.

The 33-year-old has experienced an upsurge in form over the last couple of seasons following his incredible goal-scoring consistency for Osasuna.

He concluded the 2023/24 season with 17 goals and bagged 21 goals last term, finishing as the league’s third top scorer behind Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski.

He has also translated his excellent form to the national team and has seemingly sealed his place as Croatia’s first choice No.9 for the World Cup next year.

Madrid have offered a salary worth €3m per season for Budimir, who has a €8m release clause in his contract.

The Spanish giants have already welcomed new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, with Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono expected to be the next arrival.

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