Real Madrid consider move for Levante striker Carlos Espai as Atletico delay opens door

Real Madrid have entered the race to sign highly rated Levante forward Carlos Espai, with the 21-year-old emerging as a surprise target in a development that could reshape the summer transfer market.

Reports from Spanish outlets Marca and Onda Cero Valencia say Espai has become one of the most in-demand young attackers in Europe after a prolific second half of the season in which he played a decisive role in keeping Levante up. The striker scored 11 goals in 25 appearances, all of them coming after January, a surge in form that has also brought him to the attention of Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who has included him in his provisional squad for the World Cup.

Espai’s contract contains a €25m release clause, a figure that has already attracted approaches from clubs in both the Premier League and Serie A. However, sources quoted in the reports indicate that the Tavernes de la Valldigna-born forward would rather remain in Spain, a preference that is understood to be linked to his absence from Levante’s most recent pre-season friendly.

Atletico hesitation invites rivals

Espai had been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid for much of the summer, with the striker believed to have been high on their list of attacking options. But hesitancy from the rojiblancos over committing to the deal is said to have allowed other clubs to move into contention.

Villarreal and Real Madrid have now emerged as serious contenders, with both able to offer the player the opportunity to feature in the Champions League next season. That prospect is viewed as a significant factor in Espai’s decision-making as he weighs up his next step after his breakthrough campaign.

According to journalists Juan Arias and Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Real Madrid are assessing a move for Espai as a direct replacement for Gonzalo Garcia, who has left the club to join Fulham and work under former Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa. Spanish newspaper AS has echoed those claims, reporting that the European champions are giving serious thought to activating Espai’s release clause.

Levante open to sale to fund rebuild

Levante, coached by Inigo Perez, are understood to be open to selling their emerging star this summer in order to generate funds for further transfer business. The club need additional liquidity to complete other planned signings, and a €25m deal for Espai would provide a significant boost to their budget.

With interest growing and all sides aware of the financial and sporting implications, the forward’s future is expected to be resolved swiftly. Local reports suggest a transfer is likely to be concluded before the end of this week, with Espai widely viewed within Spanish football as a low-risk, high-upside signing given his age, output and modest release clause.

For now, Espai remains under contract at Levante, but Real Madrid’s late intervention, coupled with Atletico Madrid’s failure to close the deal, has added a new twist to one of Spain’s most intriguing transfer stories of the summer.