Real Madrid News
Real Madrid outline summer plans with two targets to fill key role – report
Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming seasons, with a particular focus on their midfield.
In that regard, recent reports from Onda Cero (h/t Defensa Central) indicate that the club has identified two Spanish players who could play a pivotal role in this enhancement: Rodri from Manchester City and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Both players are highly regarded for their ability to control the midfield, a crucial area for any top team.
Difficult to sign Rodri
The primary goal for Madrid is to bolster their central midfield, and it seems the club is keen on adding two players to this position.
“Real Madrid want to strengthen the central midfield position and the names that have been mentioned are Rodri and Zubimendi,” Fernando Burgos said on Radioestadio.
However, there are challenges in securing these signings. Rodri’s situation at Manchester City, in particular, is complicated.
With Pep Guardiola still in charge at the English club, it would be difficult for Rodri to leave, as he is a key figure in Guardiola’s system. Despite these hurdles, Real Madrid are determined to improve their midfield options for next season.
Real Madrid need reinforcement and exits
Adding both Rodri and Zubimendi to the squad would make sense, but only if there are significant departures from the current midfield.
If Madrid do not move players out, the club risks overcrowding the position, which could affect the balance of the team.
Despite the squad’s potential, Real Madrid’s performance on the field has shown areas of concern.
The team’s play lacks coherence, with players failing to occupy spaces effectively and struggling to meet the tactical demands of coach Carlo Ancelotti. In recent matches, Madrid have faced challenges, with even average teams causing them trouble.
This is unusual for a club of Madrid’s stature, which has historically been dominant. As a result, Ancelotti and his coaching staff are closely analyzing the team’s weaknesses, hoping to correct the issues and restore the team to its best form.
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
