Real Madrid suffered during the recent international break after Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Junior sustained injuries that will keep them out of action for the foreseeable future.
Rodrygo Goes also suffered an injury scare with the Brazilian national team, leaving Madrid’s thin forward line even more vulnerable.
Brahim Diaz and Joselu are the only other attacking options to leave Carlo Ancelotti stranded with the lack of depth.
Los Blancos opted against reinforcing their attack significantly despite losing legendary striker Karim Benzema in the summer, although they have managed to maintain their high standards this season.
This is largely due to Jude Bellingham’s incredible run of form, with the England midfielder scoring 13 goals in all competitions.
However, whenever the former Borussia Dortmund star has off-days, Madrid are a completely different side due to their over-reliance on Bellingham and the failure of the other forwards to share the goalscoring onus.
Ancelotti’s new role for Bellingham has paid dividends, but the strategy cannot be maintained, especially with the prodigious midfielder struggling with injury concerns lately.
Los Blancos are set to dip their toes in the transfer market, although they have rarely signed reinforcements in the middle of the season in the past.
Ancelotti may demand more backing from president Florentino Perez in the upcoming transfer window in order to remain competitive on all fronts.
Here are the potential forwards Los Merengues could pursue in January.
Marcos Leonardo
A prodigious talent from Santos FC, Marcos Leonardo fits the archetype of a Galactico signing – Brazilian and highly skilful.
The 20-year-old could be next in the line to come out of Brazil after Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Endrick Felipe (set to arrive next summer) and join Madrid.
The La Liga giants have been closely monitoring Leonardo, alongside AS Roma and Newcastle United, who has burst onto the scene with his exploits for Santos and the Brazilan youth teams.
The competition for the signing is tough, but Madrid’s allure could be hard to resist for a burgeoning player like Leonardo.
Santos are willing to part ways with their prodigious star if their valuation of €15 million plus bonuses is met.
Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi’s name has cropped up on Madrid’s radar lately, and it is hardly a surprise due to his resurgence at Galatasaray.
The Argentine striker is tearing apart the Turkish top-flight and Champions League this season, scoring 15 goals in both competitions and gaining back the reputation of an elite centre-forward.
The former Inter Milan man is similar to Joselu in terms of playing style but offers more guarantee for goals given his rich vein of form.
Gala could demand a fee in the region of €15m, but it remains to be seen whether Icardi would be willing to make the switch when he has started to settle in Turkey.
Dusan Vlahovic
Another high-profile target on Madrid’s agenda for a long time, and the existing situation demands his signing more than ever before.
Since making his big money from Fiorentina, Vlahovic has blown hot and cold at Juventus which could be attributed to the Bianconeri’s struggles over the last few years.
However, there is no doubting the Serb’s talent and he has been unstoppable when on song.
Interest from Arsenal and Madrid is further proof of his world-class abilities.
However, the Bianconeri would rather prefer to sell him next summer and are unlikely to be entertained by inadequate offers as they need to improve their finances.
A January transfer looks unrealistic unless Madrid decide to splurge on him – which is something they weren’t accustomed to doing.
Santiago Gimenez
Talking about the best young centre-forward in Europe at the moment, Erling Braut Haaland is the first name that pops into everyone’s mind.
It is unsurprising due to his insane goalscoring numbers and he looks almost peerless at the very top.
But there is another world-class player in Europe who can rival the Norwegian goal machine and whose incredible numbers have also gone down the radar this season – Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord.
The Mexican international has enjoyed a meteoric rise from an unknown commodity to one of the prolific centre-forwards in a short span of time.
Playing a pivotal role in the Eredivisie triumph last term, Gimenez has now gained wider recognition this term for his exploits in the Champions League.
He has racked up an astonishing 15 goals in as many games across all competitions this season, and it looks like the tally will only get better.
Unsurprisingly, several European heavyweights including Madrid are queuing up for the 22-year-old.
The Dutch giants are aware they can’t keep Gimenez for long amid growing interest, but it is questionable whether they are willing to sell him in January amid Champions League endeavours.
Nico Williams
Madrid are understandably keeping close tabs on Athletic Bilbao’s promising winger Nico Williams, who is out of contract next summer.
The contract talks have been subject to much speculation, and Madrid are looking to pounce if he opts against a new deal with the Lions.
The catch is that Barca are also vehemently pursuing the Spanish prospect. Nevertheless, Madrid fancy themselves because of their arch-rival’s financial woes.
Los Blancos could be hoping that Athletic Club sell Nico in January to avoid him leaving for nothing in the summer.
The 21-year-old has been in exceptional form this season, registering a goal and seven assists in La Liga.
