Eduardo Camavinga has Europe’s major clubs after his signature but just how good is the 17-year-old?

He has all of Europe on alert after a sensational breakthrough season in France but it appears that Real Madrid have the lead in the race to sign 17-year-old wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes.

With football on pause, Zinedine Zidane has time to plot his moves in the next transfer market, whenever that may fall, and it appears that he is keen to breathe new life into Real’s midfield.

Recent reports in Spain have put Madrid in line for a move for Chelsea‘s N’Golo Kante but it is Camavinga who is the name that is repeatedly drawn to the Spanish giants.

Here, Sportsmail profiles the player that Europe’s major clubs are all aware of.

Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga (R) has established himself as a major talent this season

Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga (R) has established himself as a major talent this season

Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga (R) has established himself as a major talent this season 

JUST WHAT TYPE OF MIDFIELDER IS CAMAVINGA?

He’s definitely more defensively orientated and has excelled in a position where he can dismantle play within the opposition. 

That said, one of his most notable performances came in a  2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain, where he assisted Mbaye Niang’s opener. Perhaps there is leeway for him to one day explore a position further up the pitch.

But it very much appears that Zidane is looking for a ball-winner in midfield, considering the players that Real have been linked with. At present, Casemiro is Zidane’s main option for that role and he is a player that the Frenchman is fond of, but he wants competition for that position.

Camavinga is a ball-winner who thrives when breaking up patterns of play in the opposition

Camavinga is a ball-winner who thrives when breaking up patterns of play in the opposition

Camavinga is a ball-winner who thrives when breaking up patterns of play in the opposition 

Zinedine Zidane appears keen for a ball-winning midfielder of Camavinga's ilk at Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane appears keen for a ball-winning midfielder of Camavinga's ilk at Real Madrid

It is believed Rennes will part ways with Camavinga if they are offered around £53million

It is believed Rennes will part ways with Camavinga if they are offered around £53million

Zinedine Zidane appears keen for a ball-winning midfielder of Camavinga’s ilk at Real Madrid

WHAT IS CAMAVINGA’S JOUNREY UP TO NOW?

Camavinga was born in Angola but his family moved to France early on in his life and he was playing football for his local side AGL-Drapeau Fougeres by the age of six. 

The club were a partner to the Rennes academy, and Camavinga soon made the switch across at the age of 11 after his considerable talents were identified.

He put pen to paper on his first professional contract just a month after his 16th birthday, becoming the youngest player to do so in the club’s history.

In the Rennes team, Camavinga has been looked after by his more experienced team-mates, according to manager Julien Stephan.

‘Many of the pros have taken him under their wing, because he is very respectful in the dressing room and very attentive to their advice,’ Stephan said. ‘He blossomed with us this summer.

‘He is someone who knows how to question himself, who knows how to ask the right questions.’

Camavinga (right) made his Rennes debut in April 2019 when he was only 16 years of age

Camavinga (right) made his Rennes debut in April 2019 when he was only 16 years of age

Camavinga (right) made his Rennes debut in April 2019 when he was only 16 years of age

Rennes identified Camavinga as a big talent early on and handed him a professional deal at 16

Rennes identified Camavinga as a big talent early on and handed him a professional deal at 16

Rennes identified Camavinga as a big talent early on and handed him a professional deal at 16

AND THIS IS HIS BREAKTHROUGH SEASON?

He actually made his debut for Rennes in April 2019 as a substitute against Angers but this is the first season where he has played first-team football on a consistent and regular basis.

This season, he has played 33 times for the club and that includes his first taste of European football in the Europa League. He has scored once, in a 1-0 win away to Lyon in December, and was also sent off once in a defeat at home to Cluj in the Europa League.

He has made one appearance for the France Under 21 team and that came last November after Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi was promoted to the senior squad. 

Camavinga has made 33 appearances for Rennes this season, scoring once so far

Camavinga has made 33 appearances for Rennes this season, scoring once so far

Camavinga has made 33 appearances for Rennes this season, scoring once so far 

Reports in Spain have said that Camavinga favours a move to Real Madrid

Reports in Spain have said that Camavinga favours a move to Real Madrid

Reports in Spain have said that Camavinga favours a move to Real Madrid 

WHO ARE THE CLUBS THAT WANT TO SIGN HIM?

Aside from Real Madrid, German giants Borussia Dortmund are linked with a move and such a signing – an upcoming young talent – would certainly fit the calibre of player that they have usually purchased in recent seasons.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have also been mooted with an interest but, according to Marca, Camavinga believes Real are the club for him.

The Spanish publication claimed that Camavinga believes Real can boost his development. It is estimated that a bid in the region of £53m would be enough to bring Rennes to the negotiating table.

Camavinga has been advised to stay at Rennes for another season by his current manager

Camavinga has been advised to stay at Rennes for another season by his current manager

Camavinga has been advised to stay at Rennes for another season by his current manager

WILL HE DEFINITELY LEAVE IN THE SUMMER? 

Rennes manager Stephan has pleaded for patience with Camavinga and has suggested that the teenager would be best served by another year in France – be it staying outright or returning to the club on loan.

‘He is a player with enormous potential,’ Stephan told Canal Plus. ‘He is also a young player who will need to confirm his ability in time. 

‘It could be in his interest to spend an additional year with us, at the club where he was formed as a youth player. 

‘The reality of the market could be different, but my desire is to see Eduardo Camavinga spend an additional season at Rennes and in Ligue 1 to allow him to confirm his quality and then leave after that for a more renowned side.’ 

There have been suggestions that Real could buy Camavinga and loan him back to Rennes

There have been suggestions that Real could buy Camavinga and loan him back to Rennes

There have been suggestions that Real could buy Camavinga and loan him back to Rennes

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