REAL MADRID could be about to spend big this summer after a belt-tightening year out of the transfer market.
The coronavirus pandemic and an expensive stadium rebuild has seen the team famous for its Galacticos splurges remain quiet in recent windows.
How Real Madrid could line up after a plethora of new signings
However there is a sense of the crouching tiger, hidden dragon about Los Blancos.
With every LaLiga club bar Madrid and minnows Huesca told to cut their wage bill, now could be the time to release their savings.
First on Zinedine Zidane’s list may be Kylian Mbappe, the Paris Saint-Germain star linked with Real ever since he emerged as a world-class talent.
The latest reports out of Spain highlight the club’s desire to sign the French striker or fellow pedigree talent Erling Haaland.
Mbappe’s PSG contract expires in 2022, making the next few months key in deciding his long-term future.
French newspaper Le Parisien recently told of the £175million fee required to sign the 22-year-old.
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Kylian Mbappe is a man in demand thanks to his impressive displaysCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Erling Haaland could be turned to if Mbappe does not sign
However the Ligue 1 champions will fight tooth and nail to keep the star and a bumper new contract could be enough to tempt him into staying.
Zidane could easily formulate a three-man attack out of Eden Hazard, Mbappe and Karim Benzema, or accompany the trio with an extra wide man such as Marco Asensio.
Belgian winger Hazard is yet to showcase his talent at the Bernabeu but will continue to be given chances following Real’s £143m investment.
A defensive revamp could also take place in the summer.
Sergio Ramos is yet to agree a new contract to keep him in the Spanish capital.
And Raphael Varane continues to be a top target for Manchester United, with Madrid reportedly considering a sale instead of renewing his deal.
Allowing both men to leave could fund the signings of Kalidou Koulibaly, Ibrahima Konate and David Alaba, the latter on a free transfer that could feature a £400,000 weekly wage.
Napoli star Koulibaly is a reported target for several teams, including Bayern Munich who have snapped up the in-demand Dayot Upamecano.
That deal has led to Real, as well as Chelsea and Manchester United, looking to the centre-back’s RB Leipzig team-mate Konate.
One other potential investment being considered by Los Blancos is Manuel Locatelli, following his star performances for Sassuolo this term.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
