Real Madrid are looking to bolster their ranks in the summer transfer window following a below-par campaign by their very high standards.
They have failed to defend their La Liga crown, with rivals Barcelona beating them to the punch by a country mile, while also missing out on the Spanish Super Cup to the Catalan giants.
Although they got their revenge in the Copa Del Rey, Madrid’s campaign could get even worse if they suffer elimination against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final.
There are not many holes that need plugging in the Madrid squad – such is the amount of quality and depth at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal – but there are still certain areas that need reinforcements.
Ferland Mendy has struggled with injuries this season. With no natural successor in the left-back role, Eduardo Camavinga – naturally a midfielder – has deputised for his compatriot.
The versatile Nacho Fernandez, who can feature anywhere across the backline, has also been utilised on the left side of the back four by Ancelotti.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are in the twilight of their illustrious careers, so Los Blancos need to incorporate another midfielder to ensure a smooth transition.
There is also the case of Karim Benzema’s long-term successor, with the France international’s lengthy spell in the Spanish capital set to end when his contract runs out next summer.
Famous for their proactive squad planning, the European giants are at it again with plans for a massive summer spending spree already underway. Here are three of Madrid’s top targets this summer.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham is arguably the most sought-after player in the transfer market, but Madrid seem to have won the race for the Borussia Dortmund sensation’s signature.
Bellingham is seen as a long-term replacement to Modric, with the 19-year-old set to cost Madrid at least €100 million, and he will join the club on a six-year contract this summer.
The England international could be the central figure in Madrid’s plans to build a young and vibrant squad capable of competing domestically and in Europe over the next decade.
Bellingham has already amassed valuable experience at the highest level and could also arrive at Madrid as a German champion, with Dortmund just one point behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga table.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe could be the next Galactico to move to the Spanish capital, with Madrid planning to launch another mammoth bid at Paris Saint-Germain for the Frenchman’s signature.
Los Blancos have already failed once in their attempts to lure the 24-year-old to the Bernabeu, but there is a general feeling they can capitalise on the turmoil at the French capital to snatch him from their grasp.
Mbappe prefers to feature on the left side of the front three rather than lead the line, so it is unclear how Madrid plans to incorporate him into the squad alongside Vinicius Junior if they succeed with their heist.
However, it goes without saying that PSG will fight tooth and nail to hang on to their prized jewel, and neutrals could be treated to another dramatic transfer tussle this summer.
Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies is the man earmarked to fill the gaping left-back hole in Ancelotti’s side, with Madrid set to launch a bid to sign him from Bayern Munich.
The Canada international has been a revelation for the German champions since joining from Major League Soccer club Vancouver in January 2019.
Davies could be the long-term successor to Marcelo that Madrid have always craved, but they will face competition from Man City, who are also keen to sign a new left-back this summer.
The 22-year-old’s contract with Bayern runs out in 2025, and it is understood that the Bavarians consider him untouchable amid plans to ward off interest with a new contract.
