Soccer coach speaking at a press conference with the Real Madrid crest in the background and two players in circles, one wearing a light blue uniform and the other wearing a white and blue uniform, in a stadium full of fans.
Xabi Alonso with a Real Madrid crest, and Rodri and Zubimendi in circles | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Neither Rodri nor Zubimendi: the midfielder Real Madrid is considering for Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid targets a reinforcement for the midfield that would cost €45 million

by

Borja Díaz

At Real Madrid, they seem to have reignited their interest in signing a midfielder in the summer transfer window. The draw against Al Hilal has once again exposed the major problem the Merengue side faces. They're missing a player capable of generating play from deep in midfield.

Rodri was the first name to be strongly linked, an old desire of Florentino that never materialized. However, it seems unlikely that they'll be able to take him from Manchester City this summer. Zubimendi has been the next option that's been most appealing due to his quality and price.

Soccer player in a yellow uniform celebrating a goal by jumping in the air during a match with the stadium full of spectators
Zubimendi celebrating a goal with Spain | RealMadridConfidencial

However, it appears he's one step away from signing for Arsenal, so his transfer will be made official in a few days. Meanwhile, according to reports from England, Real Madrid are still closely monitoring another footballer. It's a Premier League midfielder, Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace.

At 21 years old, he's surprised many with his maturity and his performance in the Premier League. Many consider him the future great talent of the English national team, the brain expected to lead them. These are big words that make Real Madrid pay close attention to his situation.

Real Madrid thinking about changing the decision they made

Weeks ago, Real Madrid had made the decision not to go to the market to look for a midfielder. Xabi Alonso had requested it and had insisted on trying with Zubimendi. However, the response he had received at the club was that they weren't going to bring anyone in for that position.

Soccer player with arms outstretched wearing the red and blue Crystal Palace uniform in an empty stadium
Adam Wharton with Crystal Palace | Real Madrid Confidencial

They believed that with Franco Mastantuono, they already had the ideal player to cover that position. Especially because they'd secured the most promising player currently available for the midfield. However, something may have changed in that decision they'd made.

The 1-1 draw against Al Hilal is making them start to consider looking for a playmaker. Adam Wharton is one of the options they're considering, although they know it won't be easy. He has a valid contract and his team won't let him leave for less than €45 million.

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