Real Madrid want Dutch midfielder to run Xabi Alonso’s midfield

Real Madrid have been outmatched in midfield in almost every big game this season, and while the backline appears to be the highest priority for Los Blancos in the transfer market, they will also look to give Xabi Alonso a midfielder. They look second best for some of their top targets, but a new name has emerged as a potential addition.

Real Sociedad pivot Martin Zubimendi looks set to head to Arsenal in spite of his admiration for Alonso, while a move for Manchester City’s Rodrigo Hernandez also looks improbable. According to RadioMarca, AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is now on their shortlist for a move this summer.

Reijnders rout at the Santiago Bernabeu

They say that the 26-year-old is one of the players they are most keen on this summer, despite having renewed his AC Milan deal in March. They see Milan’s potential absence from European football, or at least the Champions League, could bring down his price too.

His ability to get into the box, and his ability to make an impact on the scoresheet are cited as two attributes that have caught the eye for Los Blancos. Primarily during AC Milan’s 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in November, where Reijnders was a standout and scored the Rossoneri’s third goal.

Previous links to Tijjani Reijnders

Previously it has been reported that Barcelona also looked at Reijnders last summer, while in April, it first emerged in Italy that the Milan midfielder was of interest to Los Blancos. Meanwhile Football Italia explain that Manchester City have placed Reijnders near the top of their shortlist too, with talk of a €70m bid from Pep Guardiola’s side. Chelsea have been linked to him, but seem unlikely to make a move for the Dutch international this summer. It seems if they do wanst Reijnders, then Real Madrid may have to spend big.