Real Madrid 'to sign Joselu on loan this summer'

Espanyol forward Joselu is reportedly preparing to join Real Madrid on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a strong 2022-23 season for his Catalan club, finding the back of the net on 17 occasions in 38 appearances in all competitions, in addition to registering four assists.

Joselu has managed 16 goals in La Liga this term, but he has been unable to prevent Espanyol from being relegated, with the White and Blues dropping into the Segunda Division for next season.

The experienced striker still has another two years left to run on his contract, but it is understood that he will not stay with his current side for the 2023-24 campaign.

There has recently been talk of interest from Real Madrid, as the Copa del Rey holders are looking to bring in competition for Karim Benzema at centre-forward next season.

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There has not yet been an announcement regarding Benzema's future, with his current deal due to expire this summer, but he is widely expected to pen a one-year extension.

The 35-year-old, who is being linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, has scored 30 goals in all competitions this season, but the Frenchman has had his injury problems, while Mariano Diaz and Marco Asensio are seemingly both set to leave Bernabeu on free transfers next month.

Manchester City's Erling Braut Haaland is seemingly Real Madrid's dream addition in the final third of the field, but he will not be available this summer, so Los Blancos are expected to bring in a forward on loan and then potentially move for Haaland or Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe next year.

According to SPORT, Joselu is set to move to Real Madrid on loan this summer with a view to potentially returning to Espanyol for the 2024-25 campaign if the Catalan side are able to secure an immediate return to La Liga.

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Joselu came through the youth system at Celta Vigo before making his first-team debut for the Sky Blues in 2008, and he then moved to Real Madrid in 2009.

The two-time Spain international scored twice in two appearances for Real Madrid's senior side during his time at the club, but he largely turned out for Real Madrid Castilla before leaving for Hoffenheim.

Joselu has also represented Stoke City and Newcastle United in England during a well-travelled career, but he returned to Spain in 2019 with Alaves, scoring 36 goals and registering 11 assists in 113 appearances for the club before arriving at Espanyol in the summer of 2022.

Real Madrid are expected to spend the bulk of their summer transfer budget on Jude Bellingham, with the England international set to move to Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund.

As well as Benzema, Diaz and Asensio, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos and Nacho only have contracts with Carlo Ancelotti's side until the end of next month.