Real Madrid initiate contact with €60m Martin Zubimendi midfield alternative | OneFootball

Real Madrid have decided that after the retirement of Toni Kroos left them looking a little lost in midfield, they will strengthen that area of the pitch next summer. Their priority is Martin Zubimendi.

The Real Sociedad star will be available for €60m, but must talk him into the move, and must beat out the competition. As such, Diario AS explain that Atalanta midfielder Ederson dos Santos has been identified as a potential alternative.

His performance against Los Blancos in the Champions League impressed them in December. A new arrival could see Aurelien Tchouameni leave the club, and Ederson would also be available for around €60m. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have both looked at Ederson in the past, with Atletico having a €55m offer rejected last summer before moving for Conor Gallagher. Yet the Madrid daily say that Atalanta will facilitate an exit, as Teun Koopmeiners departure to Juventus ruled out Ederson’s own move.

The 25-year-old has certainly not blinked as Atalanta have gone on an excellent run, with the Brazilian at the heart of their current Scudetto title, and bid for qualifying in the top eight of the Champions League. Ederson also recently made his debut for Brazil.