Real Madrid take to the transfer market in search of new striker | OneFootball

The final few weeks of the summer transfer window will be busy for Real Madrid, who are planning for at least two more signings. Club bosses are hoping to tie up deals for Yan Diomande and Rodri in the coming weeks, and while this would complete Jose Mourinho’s squad, there are chances for further additions – but this would only happen if Real Madrid sold certain players.

A new central defender will be sought if Raul Asencio departs, while a replacement would also be needed if Gonzalo Garcia departs. Mourinho is a big fan of the La Fabrica graduate, but Real Madrid could decide to cash in – while also retaining a sell-on and/or buy-back clause – amid strong interest from Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham.

Gonzalo’s departure (if it happens) would leave Real Madrid with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick as striker options, although Mourinho has stressed that he would want a more “traditional number nine” to arrive as a replacement, as per The Athletic. The report also notes that the club’s sporting department has already started looking for candidates to appease their manager, although it’s stated that “there is no clarity at this stage over whether the club will pursue a move for such a player”.

Differential striker option makes sense for Real Madrid

The 2023-24 season is the perfect example as to why it makes a lot of sense for Real Madrid to have a target forward profile in their squad. Joselu Mato was one of the club’s most important players that season, as he scored 18 goals – primarily from the bench – on the way to helping Carlo Ancelotti’s side win La Liga and the Champions League.

Mourinho would have taken note of that example when making it clear to Real Madrid bosses that he wants that profile in his own squad. Gonzalo can play it if he stays, but if he ends up joining Fulham, it would be wise to sort a replacement.