Real Madrid want to sign key players from Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City in a stunning and era-defining transfer swoop, according to reports.
The La Liga giants are planning to dominate European football and build an even more impressive squad that has already been bolstered by the signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
Madrid re-established themselves as the major player in Europe last season by sealing a sensational La Liga and Champions League double, having missed out on both trophies in disappointing circumstances the previous season.
Signing French World Cup winner Mbappe was a statement of intent but Real Madrid are planning several more audacious moves ahead of the next two transfer windows.
The Independent say Real Madrid are targeting Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Manchester City’s Rodri and one of Arsenal’s William Saliba or Tottenham’s Cristian Romero.
It is claimed Madrid’s ‘primary target’ is Rodri, who the Spanish heavyweights suspect will want to return to Spain at some stage and could be persuaded to move to the Bernabeu.
Rodri is rated as one of the best and most influential players in the world, having helped Manchester City win four Premier League titles and the Champions League since joining from Real Madrid’s local rivals Atletico in 2022.
The 28-year-old, who has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or award, is already loved in Spain as a key member of the squad that won the Euros over the summer.
In response to Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri, Man City are looking to tie the player down further to a new, long-term contract on even better terms.
Another player Madrid are targeting is England international Alexander-Arnold, who has spent his entire career at Liverpool but is giving serious thought about leaving Anfield for the first time.
Alexander-Arnold is yet to sign an extension on a contract that runs out next summer, meaning he is just a few months away from being able to talk to clubs about a free transfer.
The 25-year-old is keen to assess Liverpool’s level in the post-Jurgen Klopp era before making a decision on his future, but has spoken to England team-mate Jude Bellingham about life in Madrid.
Real Madrid are also said to be ‘keenly interested’ in signing Saliba from Arsenal but are aware a deal for the Frenchman could be difficult.
Following a strangely stuttering start to his Arsenal career, Saliba has quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe, helping the Gunners challenge for the Premier League title over the last two seasons.
Saliba only signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal last summer, tying him to the north London club until 2028, so Real Madrid have also identified Tottenham’s Cristian Romero as an alternative option.
One of Madrid’s key transfer targets, Rodri, was asked about his future at Manchester City at a pre-Champions League press conference on Tuesday.
‘I have three more years at Man City and when I sign the contract I don’t think of other teams,’ he said. ‘So I have three more years at Man City, and nothing more to say.’
Despite their success last season and the arrival of superstar Mbappe, Real Madrid have already dropped four points this season to lose ground on early La Liga pace-setters Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side begin their Champions League defence on Tuesday night against Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart.
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