Top 5 transfer targets Real Madrid should pursue in the near future

As Real Madrid stand 4th on the La Liga table, trailing table toppers and arch-rivals Barcelona by 8 points, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting on the players.

To state a few, Cristiano Ronaldo has been deeply criticized for his goal drought in the league, as he has scored just 2 goals in 10 appearances. People have already gone to the extent of blaming him for Real's fiasco.

Critics view that he takes unnecessary shots and wastes precious build ups. Some have even become soothsayers in declaring that Ronaldo is losing his touch and his end is nearing.

Sadly, they forget to notice that he has performed fairly well in the UEFA Champions League, bagging 8 goals and an assist in 5 games. Overall, in 15 games, he has 10 goals and 3 assists under his name.

This figure clearly shows that he has not lost it, he just needs some more support. He is already 32 and it is only to an extent even a legend such as he can bear on his shoulders. In a couple of years, Real Madrid will have to play without him and they'll need strong replacements to fill the huge void.

Selling seasoned stars such as Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez have not helped the team in anyway. Keeping the long run in mind, who are the superstars Real should pursue over the next few years to fill the shoes of Ronaldo and bring back the lost glory of the Galacticos era?

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#5 Florian Thauvin (Marseille)

Florian Thauvin, undoubtedly the best of Marseille with 5 Man of the Match performances

Playing under Rudi Garcia, Florian Thauvin has shown his versatility playing in various positions. In his preferred position of right attacking midfield, he has 7 goals and 4 assists in 15 appearances.

He is a player who likes to play the ball into the air, distributing long balls. He likes to dribble and cut inside the box from the wings. His passes are accurate and create a lot of chances for others to score. The only substantial weakness, is his inability to contribute to the defence.

He is still a budding player at the young age of 24. However, he has proved that he has a lot to offer and with a little bit of grooming and strong mentorship, he can evolve into a world-class player. For now, he will most likely be a valuable boost to the bench strength of Real Madrid.

#4 Nabil Fekir (Lyon)

The young captain of Lyon steering his ship to victory

This 24-year-old French professional captaining the Ligue 1 side Lyon has been remarkable this season, striking 13 goals and assisting 4 in 18 games. He has received 6 man of the match performances from his 13 league games and 2 from his 5 Europa league games.

He is known for delivering key crosses into the box and is strong in winning aerial duels. Given that Real are not as sound in the air as they'd like, Nabil Fekir will be of great value.

He also commits fouls often and if he can direct it purely to kill the tempo of the oppositions, he can be of tremendous help to Real in stopping the opponents from creating scoring chances.

Moreover, he loves to play short passes and will blend easily in Real's possession-based style of play. He has no significant weaknesses and will be a priceless addition to the Galacticos.

#3 Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Paulo Dybala, the man labelled by many as the next Messi

This young Argentine has been prolific for Juventus and has raised too many eyebrows. Playing as the attacking midfielder in the centre, he has scored 8 goals and assisted thrice in his 16 appearances. When he was presented with the rare opportunity to play up forward against Torino, he proved his striking instincts, scoring 2 goals.

Being a great dribbler, he often gets fouled just outside the box. This will support Real's style of play as they are strong in shooting from direct free-kicks. Dybala is also a huge indirect set-piece threat. He will be crucial in attacking set pieces and contribute highly in Zidane's possession football, controlling the ball in the opposition half.

His only weakness is the inability to win aerial duels, and this will be a slight concern as Real are already a little weak in the air.

Nevertheless, this emerging Argentine star will be an ideal fit to don the Real colours.

#2 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Manchester City's king playmaker in action

This 26-year-old midfielder has been phenomenal in Manchester City's recent success, contributing 5 goals and 10 assists in 19 appearances. He has great creativity and delivers key passes frequently. He is a huge threat in the counter-attacking play as his through balls pierce through the oppositions defensive line.

He contributes greatly to defence as well. His intense concentration throughout the game helps him read the game better because of which he is able to intercept key goal scoring passes. He could easily fill the gaps that Real's opponents exploit in the wings.

This assist king has the ability to offer a whole new level of creativity to the midfield rank of the Galacticos.

#1 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)

Neymar has already ascertained himself as the heart of Paris Saint-Germain

Neymar's transfer move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for a whooping sum of £198m has not been so smooth. However, that has not deterred Neymar from producing magical results.

Since his transfer, he has netted 15 times and assisted 9 more in his 17 appearances.This Brazilian No.10 is a superstar in his own league and his commercial value is sky-scraping.

According to Don Balon, Neymar will arrive at the Bernabeu for the 2019/20 season as a replacement for Ronaldo, whose contract will expire by then. But, if Florentino Perez is able to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to welcome Neymar, this deal can happen way sooner.

If this transfer does happen, the duo of Ronaldo and Neymar will tear apart all defences and entirely change the fortunes of Real Madrid.

This Brazilian icon will not just be bringing his skills to Bernabeu, but also his million fans. Such a massive value addition should not be squandered. Ever.