Bayern Munich FW Serge Gnabry (Contract expires 2023)
Here’s another alternative that could come on a cheaper deal because of his contract running down next summer. Germany and Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry, 26, is one of the more versatile and consistent forwards in the Bundesliga.
His profile and skillset as a winger are very attractive to Los Blancos, considering he can play on both wings or as a wide midfielder.
This season he’s compiled 22 goals, seven assists, 2.2 shots per game, 1.3 key passes per game, and 1.7 dribbles per game, which is on par with what Mahrez has done this season.
At Bayern, the German international fly under the radar because of the talented roster around him, but he makes Bayern’s transitional play one of the most dangerous in the world.
He’s comfortable dribbling and scoring with both feet. His off-the-ball movement is simple yet elegant, helping make transitional link-up play seamless when hugging the wings or cutting centrally.
The former Arsenal man loves to create quick one-twos into movements down the wing or into a scoring chance with his strikers, which we’ve seen Benzema and Vinicius have so much success with this year.
And where some wingers may hesitate with their decision-making around the box, Gnabry does not fit this mold. He can beat defenders with his blistering pace one-v-one, but he also has a quick first touch off pressure that allows him to pinpoint which corner of the net to target.
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His lack of indecisiveness and pure skill is exactly what Real Madrid will need heading into next season as other La Liga and Champions League clubs retool their squads for the new campaign.
Considering his relationships with Toni Kroos, Rudiger, and Alaba, this signing could make sense for all parties involved.