Real Madrid Transfers: 6 Strikers Los Blancos Could Realistically Target This Summer
By Adam Aladay
Real Madrid's first-choice striker is undoubtedly Karim Benzema, who netted an impressive 19 goals and provided a further nine assists this season before play was halted due to the coronavirus crisis.
However, Los Blancos' second top goalscorer is central defender Sergio Ramos on seven goals. Summer arrival Luka Jovic was scoring goals for fun last season with Eintracht Frankfurt, but he's struggled in his debut campaign in Madrid - scoring just twice.
In fact, there's already talk that the Serb could leave the club, with manager Zinedine Zidane said to be willing to offload him if an offer of around £44m were to come in. Moreover, the 22-year-old is 'willing' to listen to offers as he accepts he has underwhelmed in 2019/20.
As for third choice striker Mariano Diaz...well, he's played a grand total of 66 minutes of football for Real this season.
Whether or not Jovic stays or departs, it is imperative Zidane brings in a new striking option to solve the current problem and alleviate some of the pressure on Benzema - who will be 33 this year. So with this in mind, we have decided to take a look at six players Real could and should realistically target when the transfer window opens...
Erling Haaland
This move seems unlikely at face value, but it is still possible. Erling Haaland only joined Borussia Dortmund in January, but this hasn't stopped him from being linked with a move away already - notably to Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old has been outrageously good this season, bagging 40 goals and nine assists from just 33 appearances this season.
40 goals!
The teenage sensation clearly scores goals aplenty, but as an overall character, Haaland fits the mould of a Real signing. Character, charisma, arrogance and all the quality in the world to go with it, the Dortmund man would thrive on one of the biggest stages in world football. While he would be a long-term successor to Benzema, it is said that Zidane wants to bring him in to play him alongside the Frenchman.
Of course, any move won't come cheap, while his release clause doesn't become active until the summer of 2022. It is also considered highly unlikely he will leave Dortmund this summer, but if Real came in with a tempting proposal, Haaland may see it as too good an opportunity to turn down.
Potential Price: £67m-75m
Harry Kane
While Real Madrid most definitely do want to sign Kylian Mbappe and still intend to pursue him, a deal this summer is simply unreasonable and unrealistic. However, should Harry Kane seek an exit when the transfer window opens, one of his more realistic destinations is Real Madrid.
The Tottenham man recently refused to rule out a move away from north London - now 26, he is yet to win a major club trophy. A source told 90min in March that Kane's representatives are exploring the possibility of a transfer, with Manchester United among those interested. However, Real have long been admirers of the England captain - but it is said any deal could cost between the £150m-200m mark.
But this figure may drop as Daniel Levy will understandably not want to sell (if he's forced to) to a Premier League rival - such as Man Utd. Therefore, while there is talk of Madrid pulling out of the race to sign the striker, it may just be in their best interest to make a move. Of course, the coronavirus crisis will have an impact on their finances, but Kane is a statement signing - someone to get Real back challenging for Champions League titles.
A proven, world-class goalscorer who is looking for a new challenge, Real should explore the possibility of bringing Kane to Madrid.
Potential Price: £110m-130m
Timo Werner
Timo Werner has been in superb form for RB Leipzig this season, and his performances haven't gone unnoticed either. The German has been flirting with Liverpool for a while now, while the Reds are also said to be in pole position to land his signature.
However, Real have also been mentioned a number of times, and it is a move that would make plenty of sense. Werner has managed an outstanding 27 goals and 12 assists from just 36 appearances, but it is his overall game that is so impressive. Pace, power and a strong reading of the game, Werner would thrive with the likes of Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde in midfield supplying.
Moreover, Werner is a much cheaper alternative to both Haaland and Kane, with a release clause - which expires in June - of £52m.
Potential Price: £45m-52m
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
It seems as though Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's time at Arsenal is coming to an end. The attacker is under contract in north London until the summer of 2021, and 90min recently learned that Arsenal currently have no plans to negotiate with the player regarding a new deal.
The Gunners don't want to risk losing him for free next summer, so they will plan to sell him in the next transfer window - Real are among those interested.
Aubameyang is undisputedly a world-class finisher, his record in front of goal speaks for itself. But equally, now captain of Arsenal, the 30-year-old has developed into a leader, while he is rarely ever seen to be dispirited or frustrated despite being forced out onto the wing at points.
Aged 30, Aubameyang isn't getting any younger, but he's continuing to play some of the best football of his career, and while he's attracted interest from Real in the past, now might just be perfect timing for both parties.
Potential Price: £35m-45m
Victor Osimhen
Perhaps a slightly less high-profile target could be Lille's Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian only joined the club last summer, but has settled in effortlessly during his first season with the club. With 18 goals to his name in all competitions, the likes of Man Utd and Chelsea have sat up and taken notice, but Real are also keeping tabs.
Osimhen can be described very simply as a natural finisher, using his understanding of the game to make sharp movements before instinctively tucking away his chance. The 21-year-old is a very talented forward and has a bright future ahead of him, but Los Blancos will undoubtedly be wary of forking out a hefty amount on another striker who could find it difficult to settle in Madrid - considering the struggles of Jovic.
Potential Price: £50m-65m
Raul Jimenez
Wolves striker Raul Jimenez's performances continue to go somewhat under the radar, despite his goals and overall contribution.
This season, the Mexican has bagged 22 goals in all competitions, but goals aside, he is the first line of the press for Nuno Espirito Santo's side. Working tirelessly off the ball, Jimenez sets the tempo for his side, while his movement and intelligence when his side are in possession make him a nightmare to play against.
Good in the air, physically imposing, skilful and excellent awareness, Jimenez has established himself as one of the very best forwards in the Premier League. While a move wouldn't come cheap, he could be just the type of player Los Blancos need. He would provide competition for Benzema, while he could very capably play alongside him as well.
The 28-year-old was also recently keen to not rule out a possible exit if it suited all parties involved.
Potential Price: £55m-70m
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