Real Madrid and Atletico both interested in 22-year-old left-back, claims manager | OneFootball

After a season filled with four heated Madrid derbies on the pitch, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid may now face off behind the scenes.

Indeed, according to Benfica manager Bruno Lage, both the Spanish capital clubs are interested in signing Alvaro Carreras ahead of the upcoming season.

“When I arrived here, Carreras was seen as a ‘flop’. Today, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are interested in him,” Lage stated in a press conference, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

The Benfica coach described Carreras as “very important” to the team’s structure, adding, “I am very satisfied to be working with him.”

Carreras has become one of the standout full-backs of the season and a key figure for Benfica, who are currently battling Sporting CP for the Portuguese league title.

The former La Fabrica left-back has played 47 matches and logged 4092 minutes this season, registering four goals and five assists.

Real Madrid and Atletico keen on Carreras. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Real Madrid have been linked with the 22-year-old as they search for a reliable left-back. Ferland Mendy has spent much of the season struggling with injuries, while Fran Garcia has not fully convinced.

Carreras, who previously played in Real Madrid’s youth system, is now being seriously considered as an option for reinforcement.

The 22-year-old Spaniard has a €60 million release clause in his contract at Benfica. But Real Madrid are hatching a plan to avoid paying that by convincing Manchester United to exercise their €18 million buyback option for Carreras before signing him for a fee of €30-35 million.

Atletico Madrid are also looking to solve problems on their left flank. Whether playing in a back four or a back five, Diego Simeone has rotated between Javi Galan, Reinildo, and Cesar Azpilicueta in that position, but none has secured a consistent starting role.

It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this Madrid derby battle for the signing of Carreras in the summer.