Real Madrid want to hit hard: 5 recruits in the pipeline

The recent humbling defeat suffered by Real Madrid at the hands of Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals has seemingly acted as a catalyst for significant behind-the-scenes activity at the Santiago Bernabéu. The emphatic 3-0 victory for the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium not only sent shockwaves through the footballing world but also appears to have laid bare the perceived limitations of the current Real Madrid squad, prompting discussions and plans for a substantial summer overhaul.

According to reports emerging from Spain, the hierarchy at Real Madrid, including club president Florentino Pérez, have acknowledged a glaring imbalance within the current playing personnel. This realization comes on the back of consistent concerns raised by manager Carlo Ancelotti over the past several transfer windows. The experienced Italian tactician had reportedly highlighted the urgent need for reinforcements, particularly in central defense following the departure of Nacho Fernández to Saudi Arabia, and at right-back after the long-term injury sustained by Dani Carvajal.

Despite Ancelotti’s repeated appeals, the club’s management had largely refrained from making significant additions to the squad in recent transfer windows. As noted by Cadena SER, the strategy appeared to hinge on the anticipated arrival of Kylian Mbappé, coupled with the belief that Ancelotti’s tactical acumen could effectively compensate for any perceived shortcomings. Furthermore, the club seemed to have factored in the potential departure of veteran midfielder Toni Kroos, hoping that the existing talent, including the much-vaunted attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo, supported by Jude Bellingham, would suffice.

However, the heavy loss against Arsenal has seemingly forced a reassessment of this strategy. The anticipated synergy between Mbappé, Vinicius, and Rodrygo, with Bellingham operating in a supporting role, has reportedly not yet fully convinced the club’s decision-makers. This, coupled with a spate of injuries to key players, including long-term absentees Éder Militão and David Alaba, as well as recurring fitness concerns for Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Carvajal, has left Ancelotti struggling to consistently field a competitive eleven.

The situation in midfield has also become a point of concern. While Ancelotti had seemingly accepted the limitations in this area during the winter transfer window, primarily due to the perceived difficulty of securing suitable targets mid-season, the impending departure of Toni Kroos and the expected exit of Luka Modric within the next year have necessitated a proactive approach to rejuvenating the midfield department.

In response to these challenges and the sobering defeat against Arsenal, Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a significant strategic shift in their transfer policy. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club is actively pursuing the acquisition of no fewer than five potential new players in the upcoming summer transfer window. This ambitious recruitment drive signals a clear intention to inject fresh talent and address the perceived weaknesses within the squad across various key positions.

Leading the list of potential arrivals is Xabi Alonso, the highly-rated current manager of Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso, a former Real Madrid player himself, is reportedly being considered as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti, whose future at the club has become increasingly uncertain in the wake of the Arsenal defeat. The prospect of Alonso returning to the Bernabéu as manager is undoubtedly an appealing one for many Madridistas, given his impressive track record with Leverkusen and his deep understanding of the club’s culture and values.

To bolster the right-back position, which has been a recurring area of concern due to Carvajal’s injury issues, Real Madrid are reportedly targeting Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. The England international is widely regarded as one of the best attacking full-backs in the world, and with his contract at Anfield set to expire in the summer, he could potentially be available on a free transfer, making him an extremely attractive proposition for Los Blancos.

In midfield, with the imminent departure of Kroos and the expected exit of Modric, Real Madrid are looking to secure the services of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Spanish international is highly regarded within the club for his technical ability, tactical intelligence, and potential to become a long-term fixture in the Real Madrid midfield. While Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga were initially seen as the future of the midfield, their recent performances have reportedly fallen short of expectations, leading to scrutiny from within Florentino Pérez’s inner circle.

Strengthening the defense is considered the top priority for Real Madrid in the upcoming transfer window. To this end, they are closely monitoring the progress of Dean Huijsen, currently on loan at Bournemouth from Juventus. The young Dutch defender has impressed with his performances in the Premier League and is even being touted as the “new Sergio Ramos” by some observers, highlighting his potential to become a commanding presence in the Real Madrid backline.

Furthermore, Carlo Ancelotti himself is reportedly pushing for the acquisition of at least one, if not two, additional central defenders. The Italian manager is keen to have greater rotation options in central defense and to establish more defensive stability within the team. However, as has often been the case, Ancelotti is aware that his transfer wishes may not always align perfectly with the club’s overarching strategy and financial considerations.

Looking further ahead, Real Madrid have also reportedly identified William Saliba from Arsenal as a long-term target. The French international has been a standout performer for the Gunners and his profile is said to be highly admired by the decision-makers at the Bernabéu. While a move for Saliba is not expected in the immediate summer window, his name is already circulating within the club as a potential target for the year 2026.

One thing appears certain: with the exception of the goalkeeper and striker positions, every area of the Real Madrid squad is under consideration for a significant overhaul in the upcoming transfer window. The club is clearly preparing to turn a new page and embark on a new era, aiming to rebuild and strengthen the team in order to reclaim their dominance both domestically and in European competitions. The ambitious plan to potentially bring in five new players underscores the seriousness of their intent and the recognition that significant changes are needed to restore Real Madrid to their former glory.