Real Madrid’s top candidate to succeed Ancelotti ‘loves’ €60m La Liga midfielder | OneFootball

The coming summer transfer window is projected to be a massive one for Real Madrid with several high-profile arrivals expected.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen appear to be the primary defensive targets for Los Blancos, but they are also scouting a big name in midfield.

The departure of Toni Kroos has left the club without a deep-lying playmaker who can also serve as a creative outlet, and Real Madrid eye a similar profile in Martin Zubimendi.

The real factor

Zubimendi’s profile has been linked with the men in white for a long time now, but Fabrizio Romano brings to light that it is not entirely Carlo Ancelotti and Florentino Perez’s doing. As relayed by the journalist, managerial target Xabi Alonso has a part to play.

Xabi Alonso really liks Martin Zubimendi. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Alonso’s appointment as the Real Madrid manager next season is far from confirmed, but the Bayer Leverkusen coach is reportedly a big fan of Zubimendi’s profile.

With the possibility that Alonso arrives in Madrid this summer growing by the day, Zubimendi also grows closer to a potential move as the hypothetical new manager would love to work with him. In fact, it is Alonso’s interest that is driving the rumours to a great part.

The player has a €60 million release clause on his current contract which will not be a problem for Los Blancos.

Arsenal, however, are reportedly interested in his signing and the player may prefer a move to the Premier League. It remains to be seen how Real Madrid convince the star, and first, whether Alonso arrives as a new manager or not.

So far this season, the 26-year-old Real Sociedad star has made 28 league appearances for the Basque side and averages 0.6 key passes per game.