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Perhaps it all started when Zinedine Zidane called that press conference on May 31 last year to announce his shocking departure from Real Madrid. Or it might have even started perhaps when Cristiano Ronaldo boarded the plane to Turin to sign that eye-watering deal with Juventus, marking an end to his 9-year stint at Santiago Bernabeu. Nevertheless, at this point in time, discussion about the root cause of Real Madrid's disastrous season that ensued, seems futile.
What's more riveting is Real Madrid's activity in the transfer window that lies ahead. After what was an unsatisfactory year, to say the least, for the Bernabeu faithful, Perez will have to ensure some much-needed changes are made prior to the start of the new season.
The rumour mill has already begun churning out some real gripping stories. On that note, let us take a look at the Spanish giants' top five transfer targets.
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#5 Paul Pogba
With Modric inching closer to his retirement and Toni Kroos being a shadow of his former self, Zidane will be looking for reinforcements in the midfield department. Paul Pogba is one of the few names that strikes one's mind as such.
Prior to Mourinho's sacking, Pogba was evidently desiring a move away from Old Trafford. Nonetheless, Mourinho's departure appeased his reservations for the time being. Still, his future at United is up in the air after the Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League, thus missing out on a place in the Champions League.
His compatriot, Zinedine Zidane, is a noted admirer of him and might prove helpful in luring him to Santiago Bernabeu. The financial aspect of the deal could be a major stumbling block as a player of Pogba's standard would definitely not come cheap. Besides, Manchester United will fully exploit his sale to procure funds for their upcoming recruits.
#4 Christian Eriksen
Real Madrid have had a fairly good relationship with Spurs, having acquired some of their star players in the past years. In 2012, they secured Luka Modric and the next year, they negotiated the-then most expensive deal for Gareth Bale.
This year, another Spurs superstar seems to be on his way out -- Christian Eriksen. The Denmark international has only got one year on his contract left and despite numerous efforts from the board, he still hasn't penned a new deal. Eriksen has been routinely linked with a switch to Real Madrid so the move won't be a shocker if it transpires.
Spurs are also in need of funds having invested a large sum in their new stadium. They have also failed to manage any signings in the last two transfer windows. Speaking of Eriksen, he is undeniably one of the best midfielders out there in the market right now and his fantastic numbers at Spurs are a testament to that statement.
#3 Kylian Mbappe
There can only be one supremo. At Barcelona, it is Lionel Messi. At Juventus, it is Cristiano Ronaldo. At Real Madrid, the throne is vacant. At PSG, there is a constant struggle between Mbappe and Neymar for the title.
For many moons, it was Neymar that Real Madrid were after. However, there is a new apple of their eye -- Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman is not well-settled at PSG and a change of scenery could be in sight. At the Ligue 1 awards ceremony on Sunday, the former AS Monaco star stated:
"I have learned so much here, and I feel it's maybe the time to have more responsibility. Maybe at PSG, that would give me great pleasure, or maybe elsewhere for a new project."
The 20-year-old has taken his game up a notch or two since moving to the French capital in 2017. No wonder the European top dogs are vying for his signature.
#2 Luka Jovic
The story of Luka Jovic's move to Real Madrid first caught fire towards the end of January this year and it seems that Los Blancos have pursued this deal with much determination. Quite recently, the Spanish publication AS reported that the agreement to secure Jovic's services is already in place though the announcement is yet to be made. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt's director of sport Fredi Bobic has dismissed such claims:
"It's not agreed right now. There are some talks behind the scenes."
Karim Benzema has been leading the line for Real Madrid over the past few years despite some sporadic hiccups. However, he isn't growing any younger with time. Thus, it's natural for the team to scout the transfer market for his long-term replacement. Besides, following Ronaldo's departure, the inability of Madrid's attacking unit to grind out goals means that the offensive plight merits utmost attention.
As such, Luka Jovic has emerged as one of Real Madrid's top targets. The Serbian is only 21 years old and was Bundesliga's third top scorer this season, only lagging behind Paco Alcacer and Robert Lewandowski.
#1 Eden Hazard
As things stand, Eden Hazard will probably be wearing the Chelsea kit for one last time against Arsenal in the Europa League final. The Belgian talisman has made no bones about his desire to feature for Real Madrid in the past.
Presently, Hazard only has one year left on his contract with the Blues. Chelsea are also under the threat of facing a two-window transfer ban. Yet, reports suggest that they are willing to let go of the former Lille ace given that Real Madrid meet their asking price to keep in line with UEFA's FFP regulations.
The club is aware that offloading him for free next year would be a huge blow to them. Thus, it's logical for them to cash in on him before long.
Hazard can happily fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he may not be able to rack up goals at the same pace as the Portuguese megastar, he appears to be the best answer to Real Madrid's offensive woes as of now.
