Real Madrid add 24-year-old Serie A midfielder to shortlist after being impressed by AFCON displays | OneFootball

Real Madrid intend to bolster their midfield department in the summer transfer window, having failed to fill the void left by the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the past two years.

Manchester City superstar Rodri remains a key target, given that he will enter the last year of his contract in the summer.

Meanwhile, younger talents such as Kees Smit and Adam Wharton have also been touted as possible targets.

Now, it appears that Real Madrid have added another name to their shortlist of summer targets for the middle of the park.

Real Madrid impressed by Neil El Aynaoui

Indeed, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Real Madrid have taken a very keen interest in AS Roma and Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui.

Los Blancos’ scouts closely monitored El Aynaoui during the Africa Cup of Nations. The player’s performances strongly impressed decision-makers at the club, to the extent that he has been included on a shortlist of targeted profiles by the club.

Neil El Aynaoui (R) is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Real Madrid now intend to follow his performances closely until the end of the season with AS Roma before taking a final decision on whether to make a formal offer.

Initial contacts have already taken place with the player’s representatives, although these discussions remain at an informal stage.

El Aynaoui ready to move

From the player’s side, the interest in moving to Real Madrid is genuine.

Indeed, El Aynaoui is very receptive to the idea of joining the Spanish capital club and has made it clear that he would consider the Merengues his number one priority in the event of an official offer.

The situation is therefore one to watch closely. Real Madrid are taking their time, but El Aynaoui has now firmly entered the radar of the Spanish giants.