Real Madrid are reportedly the favorites to sign one of Europe's most in-demand midfielders this summer. The La Liga giants are looking to bolster their midfield and have set their sights on a promising young talent.
Alvaro Arbeloa might not be in charge by the time Madrid start conducting their summer transfer business. He was appointed as caretaker manager on a deal that is believed to expire at the end of the season.
It's been clear during the start of his potential brief spell in charge that the midfield is in need of more creativity. There have been calls for Los Blancos to swoop for a player of Toni Kroos' qualities.
Real Madrid look to be in pole position for Smit
Madrid have been linked with Kees Smit over the past few months and a summer swoop for the young Dutchman seems increasingly likely. The club are reportedly the favorites to sign the 20-year-old who is flourising at AZ Alkmaar, per Sky Sport (via Madrid Xtra).
The club's scouts were sent to watch Smit in action and were impressed by what they saw. He has appeared 31 times across competitions this season, registering three goals and five assists.
Smit does have plenty of interest from other European clubs but it seems Madrid are leading the race. He is a versatile midfield talent who can play multiple roles in the middle of the park.
It seems that the club don't just view him as one for the future but also as an option to come straight into the starting lineup. That could come as bad news for the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga who haven't been at their best this season.
Madrid's Smit pursuit explains January decision
Madrid very rarely are active in the January transfer window and Florentino Perez insisted on continuing with this strategy. This was despite several potential midfield options presenting themselves including Ruben Neves.
The Al-Hilal midfielder was open to joining Los Blancos but the club didn't want to spend money on a player out of contract in the summer. But it's also understandable given Smit is the top target to freshen up the midfield.
Smit is a long-term solution for Los Merengues and making a signing during this month would likely be a stop-gap. That would put the club in a difficult position when trying to conduct a major rebuild in the summer and a possible mid-season acquistion can often fail to impress.