The Madrid club "Real" has started serious preparations for the summer transfer window. The team's scouts are focusing on finding a suitable replacement for experienced midfielder Luka Modric. According to SI.com, the club has begun searching for a new central midfielder, considering the future of the 39-year-old Croatian player.
Modric is still playing at a high level. He has spent over 2000 minutes on the field this season, but "Real" wants to plan ahead regarding his long-term stay with the team. Therefore, the Madrid side is looking for players to take his place.
Who are the main candidates?
The "Royal Club" is considering several options to address this task. The first candidate mentioned is 21-year-old Florian Wirtz from "Bayer". His price is estimated to be around 130 million euros, and the Madrid club has already made an offer to bring him to the team.
Modric, however, is not yet planning to leave professional football. He wants to extend his contract with "Real" for another year. His main goal is to play at a high level until the 2026 World Cup. The club will make a final decision on this matter in May.
Who else is needed in midfield?
Previously, "Real" had seen Arda Güler as a replacement for Modric, but since the Turkish player is more of an attacking player, his ability to control the rhythm in the center is less. Therefore, the team continues to search for a player who can manage the central game.
The defense line will also be strengthened
Not only the midfield but also the defense line is planned to be reinforced. "Real" is currently looking for a right-back. The main candidate mentioned is "Liverpool" player Trent Alexander-Arnold. If this deal does not go through, the Madrid side may negotiate with "Tottenham" member Pedro Porro, "Bayer" player Jeremie Frimpong, or "Sevilla" defender Juanlu Sanchez.
Additionally, the team intends to strengthen the central defense line as well. "Arsenal" defender William Saliba is considered one of the main candidates on the Madrid short-list. His current contract with "Arsenal" expires in 2027, and no decision has been made yet regarding its extension.
"Real" season results
For your information, "Real" is currently in 2nd place in the Spanish championship standings with 50 points after 28 rounds. This indicates the need to further strengthen the team.
