Top five players Real Madrid should target in summer 2023

The Los Blancos will be looking to build on a trophyless season last term

Real Madrid had a rough reason last time around as the side missed on both the LaLiga and Champions League triumph after being bested by Barcelona and Manchester City, respectively. Carlo Ancelotti has already made some massive reinforcements to the Bernabeu with the addition of English star Jude Bellingham but will surely look to fix some loopholes in his squad before the upcoming season.

With the departure of Karim Benzema, Real Madrid are in dire need of a player who can score goals up-top while adding some names that could strengthen his defensive line. Here are a list of five names Real Madrid should look to sign in the ongoing transfer window.

5. Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)

There have been concerns about Dani Carvajal's declining performance levels this season, raising doubts about his suitability as the first-choice right back in the future. However, he showcased a return to his best form during Real Madrid's victory over Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Real Madrid has potential options to sign a new right-back in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Manchester City's Joao Cancelo being one of the names linked to the club. Cancelo was previously linked to Real Madrid in January but ended up joining Bayern Munich on a loan deal until the end of the season.

His versatility in playing both full back positions would greatly benefit Real Madrid, considering the team's struggles in those areas throughout the season. While left-back has become less of a concern due to the emergence of Nacho Fernandez and Eduardo Camavinga, Cancelo's attacking prowess would make him an excellent option for Real Madrid at right back.

4. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)

Real Madrid are reportedly searching for an upgrade to Ferland Mendy at left-back, and Alphonso Davies appears to be a suitable long-term option for their defensive line. The club is clearly focused on planning for the future at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Davies, who is 22 years old, has emerged as one of the world's premier left-backs since his move from the Vancouver Whitecaps to Bayern Munich in 2019. The Canadian international has already secured two Bundesliga titles, one Champions League trophy, and one Club World Cup with Bayern, impressing with his prowess in both defensive and attacking roles.

However, Davies' contract situation at Bayern has sparked speculation about his potential departure. While his current deal runs until 2025, talks for an extension have hit a roadblock following the dismissals of general director Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic at Bayern this season.

3. Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)

Real Madrid is reportedly considering the possibility of re-signing Theo Hernandez, four years after his departure to AC Milan, as per a report. Bernabéu Digital, via Fichajes, suggests that Real Madrid is in search of a new left-back and is evaluating various options to strengthen that position in the upcoming summer transfer window. Theo Hernandez's name has emerged on their list of potential targets. Real Madrid may be experiencing a sense of regret after letting go of the French defender to Milan in the summer of 2019.

2. Gerard Moreno (Villarreal)

As Real Madrid contemplate life without Karim Benzema, they should seriously consider the prospect of signing Gerard Moreno from Villarreal. The departure of Benzema, who has been an integral part of Real Madrid's attack for over a decade, leaves a significant void in terms of goalscoring and overall attacking prowess.

Gerard Moreno has proven himself to be one of LaLiga's most prolific and consistent strikers in recent seasons. His performances for Villarreal, including leading them to a memorable Europa League triumph, have showcased his ability to deliver under pressure. Moreno possesses excellent positional awareness, clinical finishing, and a knack for finding the back of the net from various positions on the field.

Furthermore, Moreno's playing style and technical abilities align well with Real Madrid's attacking philosophy. He is adept at linking up with teammates, making intelligent runs, and providing a constant goal threat.

1. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint Germain)

The ongoing saga of Kylian Mbappe potentially joining Real Madrid has been a prolonged affair spanning several years. While a deal appeared close to completion last year, the Frenchman surprised everyone by signing a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). However, it now seems likely that the World Cup winner could finally don the Royal White jersey in the upcoming season.

Mbappe's current contract with PSG will run for another season, with the option for a further year. Nevertheless, reports indicate that he has already informed the Ligue 1 champions of his decision not to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2024. Consequently, PSG finds itself with little choice but to consider a potential transfer this summer. Otherwise, they risk the possibility of losing him as a free agent a year later. Real Madrid has been presented with an opportunity to pursue Mbappe as a result of this situation.