The theme “Kylian Mbappe” is officially finished, and now Real Madrid must take stock of their squad as they head into the 2022 summer transfer window. Manager Carlo Ancelotti already pushed the team to secure its first move of the window, which was center back Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer.
And now, the legendary coach has his eyes on a position Real Madrid should address this summer in the aftermath of the team’s top forward target choosing to remain in Paris.
According to a report from MARCA’s Jose Felix Diaz, Carlo Ancelotti would like Real Madrid to go after a backup striker who can help come into matches for Karim Benzema whenever the No. 9 needs some rest.
Real Madrid need to move on from Jovic and Mariano
We have seen the need for a backup option this season. While Luka Jovic stepped up big-time in wins over Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid in the first half of the season, he was poor in other matches. Thus, Ancelotti stopped trusting him.
The Merengues will try to sell Jovic this summer, which means Real Madrid need to look elsewhere. Borja Mayoral is on loan at Getafe and is an option. Former Real Madrid striker Raul de Tomas is an even more enticing one, though, given his excellent performances at Espanyol and athletic upside.
Perhaps Real could go for someone like Amine Gouiri or Christopher Nkunku, if they want to invest even more into the position and sign a young player who can be the all-around style of 9 that Benzema is. Nkunku would be the most marquee option as a false nine, as he was the Bundesliga Player of the Year for RB Leipzig.
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Overall, Ancelotti is right that Real need a new backup striker. Neither Jovic nor Mariano Diaz are good enough, and both should be sold. Mayoral is the easiest candidate, but Madridistas would not mind the club going for someone bigger. Of course, there are two internal options to consider as well in Rodrygo Goes and then Eden Hazard as a false nine, but a traditional 9 would be more ideal. Those two have enough on their plate as it is.