Centre-back appears to be an area where Real Madrid are looking to strengthen in in the summer. The club have been linked with a number of players in recent times, who are capable of playing in the heart of defence. The name of Josko Gvardiol appears to be at the top of their transfer wishlist though.
Gvardiol is considered by many as the best young defender in the game right now. Not only has he been superb for RB Leipzig, but he was arguably the best centre-back at the World Cup last year.
Thus, it should not come as any surprise that Real Madrid are being linked with a move for Gvardiol. At the same time though, there are plenty of other clubs believed to be keeping an eye on him as well, like Chelsea and Manchester City. On the other hand, it is expected that a transfer fee north of €100 million will be required to sign the Croatian defender.
As a result, the club must keep their eyes on alternative targets as well. As reported by Record (via GOAL), Real Madrid are willing to target Antonio Silva if they do not land Gvardiol.
Real Madrid eyeing wonderkid as Gvardiol alternative
Silva currently plays for Benfica. And at just 19 years of age, he has been successful in establishing himself as a regular starter for the Portuguese giants.
Real Madrid have been targeting some of the best young talents in the game over the past few years, as it looks like the club are looking to build a squad not just for now, but for the next decade to come as well.
As a result, if they are unable to sign Gvardiol, then it would make a lot of sense for Los Blancos to make an attempt to sign Silva instead.