Champions League holders Real Madrid are considering various options when it comes to strengthening their forwards department, with two names at the top of their list.
Despite coming off his best-ever season, current No.9, Karim Benzema, is 35 years old. Therefore, it makes sense for Los Blancos to have a contingency plan in place to challenge the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner.
According to sources from ESPN, two forwards based in European leagues are on Madrid’s radar. Firstly, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is a highly rated prospect who Real could move for. Alternatively, Spurs and Brazil forward Richarlison is another option.
Currently, Madrid realistically have just Benzema as an out-and-out centre forward in attack. Carlo Ancelotti’s choices when it comes to forwards are a little light at Real Madrid. So, fresh faces at striker are a priority.
The manager has utilised Rodrygo as a No.9 at numerous points during the 2022/23 campaign. However, the young Brazilian is more accustomed to a role on the wing.
A new striker could be on the horizon at the Bernabeu. What would Rodrygo’s compatriot, Richarlison, bring to La Liga, though?
Richarlison among Real Madrid options for forwards’ revamp
The Spurs attacker has not truly flourished in North London thus far. He is yet to score in the Premier League this season, even though he has made 14 appearances. Additionally, it will likely be hard to take the No.9 spot off of Harry Kane, unless the England captain moves away.
Richarlison is a physical striker who also possesses the versatility to play elsewhere in attack. Although on a bit of a drought in 2022/23, the Brazilian has shown an eye for goal in the past. For example, he has registered double-digit goal tallies in three different Premier League seasons.
Per ESPN, Ancelotti is still a fan of the forward following their time working together at Everton. This could work in his favour.
Richarlison also showed what he could do with high-quality service at the recent World Cup. From four matches in Qatar, the 25-year-old produced three goals and one assist. He also benefitted from a good link-up with Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Jr. This could factor in Los Blancos’ transfer decisions.
Does Richarlison have what it takes to shoulder the responsibility of leading a Galactico attack? Real may take a risk and find out.
If they decide to go a different direction, Dusan Vlahovic could be their guy.
Dusan Vlahovic: a new Galactico?
The 23-year-old has led Juventus’ line since joining the Old Lady from Fiorentina in January 2022. Unfortunately, though, Vlahovic has not quite shown the same level of goal-scoring that thrust him into the limelight in Florence.
Following his mid-season move, Vlahovic saw out the rest of the 2021/22 campaign with seven Serie A goals for Juve. This season, he has found the net eight times, along with two assists.
These are solid numbers, but perhaps underwhelming considering his £66 million price tag.
Despite this, Dusan Vlahovic is still young and developing into an elite attacker – perfect for the Real Madrid forwards department. Should he switch to Spain, he could be Los Blancos’ starting striker for the next decade.
Vlahovic may even learn some things by working with Benzema for another season or two, too.
Ultimately, Real Madrid will be spenders during the summer transfer window. Whether one of Vlahovic or Richarlison or even another target joins the La Liga giants is anybody’s guess.
What is for sure is that the success that Carlo Ancelotti’s side achieves in the second half of this season will have a big impact on their transfer window.
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