Barcelona and Real Madrid to battle for Marseille wonderkid Maxime Lopez, whose idol is Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane
Catalans hope the fact club icon Andoni Zubizarreta is charge of transfers at French club may give them big advantage
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REAL MADRID and Barcelona are set to go to war over the signature of Marseille wonderkid Maxime Lopez, according to reports in Catalonia.
The 19-year-old is the latest in a long line of talented young French players — and has been compared to Nou Camp legend Andres Iniesta.
However, report that Real Madrid have the advantage in the race for his signature, as Lopez's childhood hero was Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane.
And 1998 Ballon d'Or-winner is a fan of the Marseille ace as well.
Speaking in March, Zidane said of Lopez: "He is small, but his style of plat is fascinating.
"I really like his personality.
"He runs a lot, sacrifices himself and allows others to play."
In Barcelona's favour is that another Nou Camp icon in Andoni Zubizarreta the man in charge of transfers at Marseille — and he would likely favour a move to Catalonia for the Lopez.
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Furthermore, the youngster is close friends with Ousmane Dembele.
Real Madrid have had the upper hand when it comes to signing youngsters in recent seasons.
They famously beat Barcelona to the signing of Marco Asensio — and last summer also came out on top in battle for Dani Ceballos.
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