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Real Madrid have had a poor season so far by their standards and are currently 3rd in La Liga, 15 points behind runaway leaders, Barcelona. Although, they have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 5-2 aggregate win over PSG. The possibility of retaining the trophy for the third successive year is definitely on the table.
Zinedine Zidane is edging closer and closer to an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu and has reportedly agreed that this season will be his last as boss. If the next Real manager is to have a successful campaign next term, some signings in the summer are paramount in order to bolster the squad.
There is no surprise to see yet another long list of big names linked with transfers to Real Madrid and there will undoubtedly be some on the list being unveiled for the current Champions League holders during the upcoming summer transfer window. Here are five players that Los Blancos should look to sign.
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#5 Sergej Milinković-Savić
One player that was largely unknown to European football fans before the start of this season has made a massive name for himself since August. Lazio midfielder, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is attracting interest from across Europe, Manchester United have emerged as early leaders to secure his signature but Real Madrid seems like a more impressive alternative for the Spanish born midfielder.
It would make a lot more sense for him to sign for the La Liga champions as his playing style is far too similar to that of Paul Pogba at United, Milinkovic-Savic would provide something completely different at Madrid. The Serbian international definitely wouldn't come cheap but when has money limited Florentino Pérez in the past?
He would rejuvenate a midfield of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, both of which have struggled with injuries in the last few years. As a younger and more energetic alternative to Kroos, Milinković-Savić would provide more of a goalscoring threat than the World Cup winner as well as the ability to get from box-to-box efficiently for a whole 90 minutes.
With nine goals and three assists from centre midfield in Serie A this term, the 23 year old certainly isn't afraid to get forward and would add quality to the Spanish giants' attack.
#4 José Giménez
Atletico fans won't be happy to hear of the increased interest of their city rivals in their centre-back, José Giménez. He is having a brilliant season at the heart of Diego Simeone's defence as they have provided the main threat to Barcelona's title push.
The 23 year old will be part of Uruguay's back line at the World Cup this summer and good performances in Russia could add to a price tag which currently stands at over £50 million. He is on run of 10 consecutive league games for Atleti and has formed part of their formidable defence alongside his international team-mate, Diego Godin who has returned for the last few matches.
Real Madrid might face some competition if they are to go after Giménez as Arsenal have allegedly made him their number one target to sure up their lacklustre defence. However, the short switch across the city in which he is currently employed would be favourable over a move to the Gunners.
If Los Blancos were able to sign Atletico's young star for the reported price (£58 million), it would be a fantastic piece of business with Virgil van Dijk comparatively going to Liverpool for £75 million.
#3 Eden Hazard
Over the last few years, this is a transfer rumour that hasn't died down despite Hazard himself claiming numerous times that he deosn't want to leave London. Although, with his recent criticisms of Chelsea's failing tactics, where he hasn't seen much of the ball, this summer could be the one which sees him joining Real Madrid.
There is no doubt that the former Lille winger is of the sublime quality required to play for the 12 time Champions League winners. Talk of Gareth Bale leaving Spain has only added fuel to the fire of the Hazard speculation and could open up space for the Belgian star alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Chelsea have struggled in the Premier League this term but their stand-out player has been superb and will have played a huge part if they can somehow turn it around to make the top four. If the Blues miss out on Europe's elite competition for next season, Eden Hazard is expected to leave Stamford Bridge and Madrid is his most likely destination.
He has eight 'Man of the Match' awards in his 21 league appearances this season as well as 11 goals and 3 assists, a great return for a wideman in a largely failing team. If it wasn't for the exceptional form of Kevin De Bruyne and Mo Salah, Hazard would be in the running for the PFA Player of the Year award.
#2 Harry Kane
The main area of the pitch that Real Madrid need to strengthen is in the striker position. Karim Benzema has led the line since he signed from Lyon in 2009 but it is time for a change and the French striker is expected to be replaced this summer.
Who better to replace him with than arguably the best number nine in world football right now; Harry Kane. It's no secret that Pérez likes to sign Tottenham's star players with Bale and Modric still playing in Spain's capital city after swapping Spurs' white shirt for, well Real Madrid's white shirt!
It could very easily break the world record for a transfer fee if England's biggest World Cup hope chooses to move in the summer. With each of Europe's other top sides having a world-class striker at their disposal, Los Blancos are currently one step behind.
Their potential summer signing is in the hunt for the European Golden Boot this term and with 24 top flight goals, he is joint with Edinson Cavani, Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah at the top of the pile.
Many would see Cristiano Ronaldo in that category but since his £90 million move from England, he has been mostly deployed on the wings. An attacking line-up with Ronaldo and Kane would be unstoppable and should Benzema be forced out the door, the former Arsenal youth player should be prioritised.
#1 David de Gea
The first Spanish international, and potentially the best, to feature on this list is another who has been courted non-stop by Real Madrid over the last few summers. In August 2015, he was within minutes of signing for the club he grew to hate as a youngster but late paperwork meant he had to remain at Old Trafford. He has gone on to become a cult hero amongst Red Devils fans.
As a player who spent eight years at Atletico, it was unfathomable to think he would ever end up with their more decorated neighbours but now it seems almost inevitable. He has transformed into arguably the world's best goalkeeper in his six years with Man United and that often means that one of Spanish football's heavyweights come calling.
That is, unfortunately for United fans, the harsh truth and with Keylor Navas' reliability in question, there couldn't be a better time for Madrid to sign him. While the 27-year-old shouldn't be their priority this summer, he should certainly be on the shopping list, regardless of the undoubtedly obscene price on his head.
Despite Man City's domination of the Premier League, de Gea is leading the way for the Golden Glove. 15 clean sheets in his 29 appearances for Jose Mourinho this season mean that he could be in for some silverware in May.
