Six midfielders Real Madrid are tracking as alternative for Arsenal-bound top target | OneFootball

Incoming Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has made it clear to the club that the squad needs a new midfielder heading into the new season. As such, work is being done to identify and sign a player suitable to the new head coach’s plans.

Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi had been identified as the priority target but Real Madrid understand that the Spanish international is likely to join Arsenal.

Even though the Merengues are not entirely giving up hope in Zubimendi’s case, they have identified other options to reinforce the midfield department in the summer, reports AS.

Rodri (Manchester City)

Before suffering a serious injury early this season, Rodri was viewed as the ideal reinforcement for the midfield. The current Ballon d’Or winner fits Real Madrid’s profile and, according to AS, is open to a return to Spain.

However, his ACL tear in late September 2024 has raised understandable concerns. Nearly eight months after surgery, he has not returned to action. The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup will provide Madrid an opportunity to assess his form.

Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)

One of the breakout stars at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Enzo Fernandez secured a high-profile move from Benfica to Chelsea for over €120 million shortly after. However, the instability at Chelsea has affected the Argentine international’s performances at times.

While his form has been inconsistent, he has still played more than 3,000 minutes this season, contributing seven goals and 13 assists and captaining the team in Reece James’ absence. Any move to Real Madrid in the summer would be extremely costly.

Enzo and Mac Allister on Real Madrid’s shortlist. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

Regularly linked to Real Madrid in recent weeks, Mac Allister’s impressive displays with Liverpool have made him a credible target. The Argentine has been a key cog in the Reds’ midfield as they won the Premier League title this season.

Like with Enzo Fernandez, though, the transfer fees required to lure Mac Allister from Chelsea in the summer would be very high.

Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)

Another Premier League player on Real Madrid’s radar, Guimaraes has established himself as a pivotal player in Newcastle’s midfield. This season, he has logged nearly 3,700 minutes, scored six goals, and provided eight assists, while being a brilliant ball-winner.

The Brazilian international’s transfer fee could be problematic, though, as he is valued at €80 million and is under contract until 2028, making a transfer in the summer difficult to pull off.

Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan)

The Dutch midfielder impressed during AC Milan’s visit to the Santiago Bernabeu in this season’s UEFA Champions League, scoring a goal and showing command in midfield.

Though not a marquee name, he has proven effectiveness and comes with a more affordable price tag of around €50 million, although Manchester City are also pushing for the Netherlands international’s signing.

Ederson and Tijjani Reijnders are on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Ederson (Atalanta)

The Serie A midfielder had been touted as Real Madrid’s main alternative if the Zubimendi move collapsed not very long ago. There have been contacts between the player and the club in the past but nothing came of it.

Like Reijnders, Ederson is seen as a lower-profile but effective option. Currently valued at €50 million by Transfermarkt, he has delivered three strong seasons with Gian Piero Gasperini’s high-tempo Atalanta side and is being tracked as an option for the summer.