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WORLD FOOTBALL

    Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Gareth Bale and Alvaro Odriozola Rumours

    Gill Clark@@gillclarkyX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IOctober 8, 2017

    Real Madrid's Gareth Bale watches the ball go into the net as he scores his side's first goal during a Champions League Group H soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at the BVB stadium in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
    Michael Probst/Associated Press

    Gareth Bale is reportedly set to leave Real Madrid this summer, while the club are said to be interested in signing Real Sociedad defender Alvaro Odriozola.

    According to Mundo Deportivo (via Calciomercato.com), the Welshman "will surely leave" the Santiago Bernabeu, and president Florentino Perez is planning on creating a new attack.

    Bale has again struggled with injuries this season, with his latest problem forcing him out of Wales' final FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying games against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland.

    Opta also note how Madrid have fared better without Bale in the team:

    OptaJose @OptaJose

    2,6-Since his debut, R. Madrid have won 83% of their league games without Bale (2,6 pts/game) compared to 69% with him in the side (2,2). KO https://t.co/avMfVt5sPO

    Bale does face competition for his place at the Bernabeu, particularly from Marco Asensio, who has caught the eye with spectacular goals.

    The 21-year-old also has two goals and two assists from five La Liga starts for Madrid this season, per WhoScored.com.

    Per the report, Cristiano Ronaldo could also be allowed to leave with Madrid wanting to bring in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Harry Kane and/or Robert Lewandowski.

    Bale's injury record has been a frustration during his time at Madrid, and the form of players like Asensio and Isco means competition for places in attack is fierce.

    Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Gareth Bale and Alvaro Odriozola Rumours
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    However, Bale has repeatedly proved he is a crucial part of the Madrid team and will surely want to continue his career at the club, unless he finds himself regularly sidelined.

    Meanwhile, Madrid are interested in bringing Odriozola to the club but face competition from Barcelona, according to AS (via Football Espana).

    ALICANTE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Alvaro Odriozola of Spain runs with the ball during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Albania at Rico Perez Stadium on October 6, 2017 in Alicante, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
    Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

    Zinedine Zidane's side have been impressed with the right-back, who made his Spain debut against Albania on Friday, and could make a move in the summer.

    Los Blancos are short of cover at right-back with Dani Carvajal expected to be out for at least two months, due to pericarditis, per Jose Felix Diaz at Marca.

    Teenager Achraf Hakimi came in for Carvajal in the 2-0 win over Espanyol and could now be set for an extended run in the team.

    Odriozola has enjoyed a stellar rise, as noted by Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge:

    David Cartlidge @davidjaca

    This time last year Odriozola was playing Segunda B w/ Real Sociedad’s ‘B’ team. Hadn’t even made 1st team debut. Tonight, first Spain cap.

    Per the report, the 21-year-old has a €40 million release clause, making him easily attainable for Real Madrid if they are serious about a move.

    Much may depend on the fitness of Carvajal. The right-back is one of the best in his position in the world, and his absence is a real blow to Madrid, who are already seven points behind leaders Barcelona after an inconsistent start.