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Real Madrid have always been amongst the biggest spenders in the transfer market and have pulled off several iconic scalps over the years. Los Blancos are the most decorated club in the history of European football and have famously developed a reputation for scalping the shiniest toys in the market, with Florentino Perez's Real Madrid Galacticos taking world football by storm in the early 2000s.
However, in recent seasons, the record European champions have refrained from splashing the cash for a handful of reasons. That's not to say they didn't spend, but Perez has not signed players as freely as he once did, with the club concentrating on signing younger players for the future.
In the summer, though, things could be set to change. Real Madrid are in need of fresh blood to kickstart a new era at the Santiago Bernabeu and could loosen their purse strings despite the financial ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.
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That said, here are five top-class players who have been linked with summer moves to the Spanish capital.
#5 Jules Kounde | Sevilla
Jules Kounde has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting central defenders in world football and is one of Sevilla's most prized assets. The Frenchman has forged an impressive partnership with Diego Carlos at the heart of the Sevilla defense, with his positional sense and ability on the ball turning heads across the continent.
The 22-year-old received a big-money offer from Manchester City last season, but Sevilla stood their ground and refused to part with him. The Cityzens opted to sign Ruben Dias instead and the Portuguese star has hit the ground running immediately at the Etihad Stadium, but it could be argued that Kounde could've had a similar impact on Pep Guardiola's side, if not better.
Manchester United are also believed to be keeping tabs on him, so Real Madrid may not have a free run at the defender.
#4 Eduardo Camavinga | Rennes
The mutual admiration between Eduardo Camavinga and Real Madrid is no secret, with the midfielder publicly speaking about his admiration for Los Blancos several times in recent years. Zinedine Zidane is also a huge fan of the player, but the Frenchman has thus far refrained from breaking the bank for the gifted midfielder.
The situation could change in the summer, with Toni Kroos well into his 30s and Luka Modric in the twilight years of his career. Real Madrid need a world-class midfielder to succeed the legendary duo and Camavinga has all the tools to succeed them one day.
Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with an interest, but the 18-year-old is believed to have his heart set on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Also Read: 5 Premier League managers who could leave their clubs summer
#3 David Alaba | Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich fan-favorite David Alaba is currently one of the most sought-after free agents in the market and reportedly has a deal in place to move to Real Madrid at the end of the season. The versatile Austrian was offered a new contract by the Bavarian giants, but he decided to move on to greener pastures after failing to agree a deal with them.
Alaba's versatility could be a massive addition to the Real Madrid squad, as the 28-year-old is capable of playing in multiple positions in attack and midfield. Having made a name for himself as a left-back, Alaba has deputized as a central defender and a holding midfielder for Bayern Munich over the years, while he has also shown that he is capable of playing in an advanced midfield role for his country.
BILD report that Alaba has agreed to join Real Madrid at the end of the season and his addition is set to bolster Zinedine Zidane's squad considerably.
#2 Erling Haaland | Borussia Dortmund
It could be argued that there isn't a single club that wouldn't be willing to sign a player of Erling Haaland's caliber this summer. The Norwegian striker has quickly become one of the most feared attackers in world football and is wanted by multiple big clubs across the continent, with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly willing to break the bank for him.
Haaland is absolutely incredible in front of goal and has the mentality to back up his talent. The 20-year-old has scored goals at a staggering rate since moving to Borussia Dortmund and has shown no signs of slowing down.
He is represented by notorious agent Mino Raiola, so Real Madrid are likely to be involved in a bidding war if they are to stand a chance of securing his signature this summer.
#1 Kylian Mbappe | Paris Saint-Germain
Much like Eduardo Camavinga, the mutual admiration between Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe is well documented. There aren't too many certainties in football, but the Frenchman is more than likely to represent Los Blancos at some point in his career.
His dream move could well come to fruition this summer, with his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain set to expire in 2022. The Ligue 1 outfit are currently locked in talks to extend his contract, but Mbappe is no closer to putting pen to paper as things stand.
PSG might be tempted to cash in on him this summer as opposed to losing him for free a year later, so Real Madrid could look to take advantage of the situation and lower the transfer fee involved.
As a player, Mbappe is one of the most exciting attackers in world football and would fit in like a glove at the Santiago Bernabeu.
