As has already been established, Real Madrid will go into the market for reinforcements in the centre-back department next year.
While it is not ruled out that a new face might arrive in January, the idea is to spend big on a top defender in the summer to avoid the repeat of a situation that they have faced this season.
Names like Castello Lukeba, Vitor Reis, Jonathan Tah, and Aymeric Laporte, among several others have been touted as possible targets.
Now, it appears that Real Madrid chief scout Juni Calafat has identified another potential candidate to reinforce the defence.
Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal on the agenda
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Calafat has recommended the name of Arsenal heavyweight Gabriel Magalhaes as an option for Real Madrid to strengthen their defence next summer.
On Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
It must be noted that Los Blancos have held an interest in another Arsenal star, William Saliba, for quite some time now. However, Calafat has now put forth the name of his defensive partner Gabriel, who has been in fine form of late.
The fact that the Brazilian international is a left-footed centre-back counts in his favour while his character and leadership are also said to have made an impression on Calafat.
However, any move for Gabriel could cost around €100 million – a figure that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is unwilling to splash on a centre-back.
Furthermore, there are voices in the club administration who would prefer investing on the signing of Saliba over Gabriel, although the figure of €100 million would be seen as high in the Frenchman’s case as well.
Given that both Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are in their thirties and Eder Militao will be returning from a second ACL injury, it goes without saying that a top-level centre-back is a necessary signing for Real Madrid in 2025.
It now remains to be seen if they do target a move for Gabriel or Saliba or opt for alternative targets altogether.