Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva is set to stay at his current club Cruzeiro after their sporting director Alexandre Mattos revealed that he will not be sold in the upcoming winter transfer window.
However, he did say that a move to Real Madrid could happen in the future if not in the next transfer window as the Los Blancos aren’t looking to sign anyone at present, “We’ve held four formal meetings to discuss the future of Lucas Silva, but I’ve spoken with Real Madrid representatives over ten times.
“In principal, they are not intending to bring any players in during the winter transfer window and we have no urgency to sell Lucas,” Mattos told Radio Itatiaia.
The news will come as a blow for Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United as they were in the reckoning for the talented midfielder who has shone for Cruzeiro this season. The 21-year old has been a long-term target for Real Madrid and he was well aware of their interest a few months back as he had revealed in October that he would love to play for them, “When a club like Real Madrid want you, it always makes you feel proud and happy. I know that I have to be focused here at Cruzeiro, that’s my club, but interest from Real Madrid inspires me to keep working hard.
“Of course I’d like to play for Real Madrid, it would be an honour. But for that to happen, an agreement between the clubs would need to be put in place first. I’m a Cruzeiro player and have so much respect for my club. If a club like Real Madrid came along, I wouldn’t turn them down.”
Silva has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Cruzeiro and impressed in the central midfield role. Despite playing in a more defensive role, Silva’s stats from an attacking point of view have been really impressive as has an average of 1.25 chances created per game this season and has a high rate of pass completion which stands at 87%.