A goalkeeper, left-back and midfielder on Zidane's wish list
Even though Madrid are battling for LaLiga and the Champions League, the club and technical department are discussing who will stay and who will go next seasonPSG - Real Madrid: Champions League
Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane are already busy drawing up the blueprint for next season's side. The reduction of the FIFA transfer ban (from two transfer windows to one, which was completed in January) means that Los Blancos can return to do business when the first inscription period opens in July. While the club wasn't heavily involved in last summer's transfer window (just Asensio and Morata arrived), this time, more movement is expected with players arriving and others set to move on. Every line of the team will be subjected to modifications, with the club expected to bring in a goalkeeper, a left-back, two midfielders and maybe a striker...
De Gea back on Madrid's agenda
Once again the goalkeeper's position will be main focus of Madrid's transfer activities this summer. The club has lost all faith in Keylor Navas and will look to the markets for a solution. While the players and the coaching staff have publicly given their vote of confidence for the Costa Rica international, directors feel quite differently. They have never had complete confidence in him (Keylor even boarded a plane bound for Manchester to complete his move to United in 2015), but his recent form hasn't inspired confidence. The favourite to replace him is David de Gea. Florentino feels indebted to the Spain No.1 for the infamous 'fax incident' on the transfer deadline day two years ago. Also, because De Gea is enjoying a brilliant season. However, José Mourinho is not going to allow his first choice keeper leave without a battle which is why Madrid have cooked up a Plan B in case the operation fails - Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian is open to returning to Madrid where his children still live. As it stands, De Gea and Courtois are the only two options.
Rebuilding the defence
Madrid's defence needs minor tweaking. Fábio Coentrão and Pepe are certain to be moving on, while the door could also be shown to Danilo if the right offer comes in. Pepe's vacancy will be filled by Jesús Vallejo who is due to return from his loan stint at Eintracht Frankfurt. Madrid are still deliberating about the best option at left-back. Theo Hernández has been mentioned but his arrangement with Atlético would make the operation practically impossible. The search continues…
Zidane looking to sign two midfielders
In midfield, Zidane is preparing for the possibility that either Isco or James could leave over the summer - the prospect that both could end up leaving hasn't been ruled out. Madrid's plan is to find a solution closer to home than entering the markets: Marco Asensio will have a more prominent role next season. The 21-year-old has been doing superbly in his debut season with the senior side, scoring eight goals and more impressively, opening his account on his debut in every competition he's played a part in. Another player will be returning from loan is Marcos Llorente, who will act as cover for Casemiro. Apart from that, any new signings will depend on who leaves and what opportunities the markets offer. The midfield isn't a priority area for Madrid although a number of players have caught Zidane's eye - Chelsea's Eden Hazard in particular, del Chelsea, Monaco's Lemar who can be used out wide or through the middle. But no contact has been made with either player or their agents.
A striker if Morata leaves: Mbappé, is the favourite
The striker's position will hinge on what happens with Álvaro Morata. The Spain international is not happy with his role within the team and has made those feelings clear. He has clocked up a mere 1425 minutes - 35.9% of the total possible playing time. Antonio Conte wants him at Chelsea and if he moves to the Premier League then Madrid will need to buy a replacement. Kylian Mbappé is top of the wants list and Man City's Kun Agüero, an old Florentino dream, could also be an option…
