Real Madrid might be in a great spot right now, in the running for a Copa del Rey and Champions League double, but when the summer transfer window comes around, they will need to strengthen their ranks. The club have a clear lack of depth, have struggled with injury problems all season and some of their star performers are getting up there in age.
The club might need to improve going forward this summer. Karim Benzema is 35 years of age and has been struggling with fitness issues for a while. Mariano Diaz has not played much at all and is expected to leave in the summer with his contract running out.
On the wings, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Eden Hazard but it is hard to see him being a regular feature anytime soon. The future of Marco Asensio is still uncertain as well, with his contract running out. And it looks like Real Madrid have their eyes on a player who can play on the wing or as a centre-forward.
As reported by Fichajes (via The Hard Tackle), Rafael Leao remains the subject of interest from Real Madrid. AC Milan rate him at a transfer fee around €100 million.
Real Madrid interested in €100 million Portuguese star
Leao has been one of the best players in Italian football for the last couple of years. He played a huge part in AC Milan’s Serie A triumph last season and their run to the Champions League semis this time around.
His current deal with AC Milan is set to run out in the summer of 2024 though. If he does not extend his contract, then the Italian club might have to part ways soon, rather than losing him as a free agent a year later.
Of course, Real Madrid could take advantage of the situation and try to bring the transfer fee down. But do they need someone like Leao? He is not an out-and-out striker, and works better as a winger with a target man to support him. Los Blancos already have a similar player in Vinicius Junior though, who is undroppable right now.