Real Madrid are prioritising a move for a centre-back this summer, according to reports, with Jose Mourinho looking to kick off his reign with the procuring of a dominant defender. Antonio Rudiger looks set to stick around, but another option is desired.
Here we take a look at the likely options for Los Blancos, including some of the recent players to be lined and another alternative option that is worth Mourinho considering once he is confirmed as the new boss.
Josko Gvardiol
Gvardiol is being heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, and he appears to be the main target this summer. The 24-year-old is going to be a pricey signing given his importance at Manchester City, and indeed the fact he is a superb left-footed defender - and there aren't too many of those about.
He can also play at left-back if needed, which is useful, but above all else, he is a dominant and physical centre-back and the type Mourinho will love. Gvardiol has a likely asking price of at least €90million, and so he is going to be the most expensive option on this list. He is also the best option, already one of the best centre-backs in the world and still only 24 years of age.
Riccardo Calafiori
One of the surprising links is Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori, who is another left-sided defender. Unlike Gvardiol, Calafiori has regularly played at left-back for Arsenal, and much more than he has played at centre-back, where he has featured for Italy.
In his defence, Calafiori is unable to play at centre-back due to the presence of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, who are both among the very best in the world. But there will still be question marks over whether the Italian is a very top level centre-back, and he would have a lot of convincing to do should he be the player signed as the centre-back solution.
Calafiori is very good technically, and that's what makes him a very useful left-back, but he is not the physically dominant player Mourinho is likely to want at the back. Arsenal will also be commanding a very big fee to sell him this summer.
Cristian Romero
Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Micky van de Ven, but Spurs are unlikely to sell two centre-backs this summer, and Cristian Romero is first in the queue to leave.
Romero has been more linked with Atletico than Real Madrid, although there have been some links. The Argentine is a player who will give everything for the badge, and he does have the physical element that Mourinho will be looking for.
He can provide at set-pieces and is more than capable with the ball at his feet. With Tottenham likely willing to sell, there is a deal there to be done, but there will be competition for his signature this summer. At 28, Romero is in his prime, and the only real downside is that he is a right-footer, with Los Blancos seemingly looking for a lefty.
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