Watching French superstar Kylian Mbappe make an immediate impact after completing a blockbuster free transfer from PSG last summer, Real Madrid are expecting another hectic window behind the scenes.
While there might be plenty of speculation over the long-term futures of French duo of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have defensive reinforcements at the top of their summer wishlist.
Although Los Blancos might have their sights set on completing another famous double-winning campaign in 2025, Madrid are seeking some recent defensive resolve.
Heading into March’s international break by registering just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous 13 appearances across all competitions, Ancelotti is reportedly desperate to add some defensive steel ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Ahead of the summer transfer window, Madrid are reportedly keeping tabs on a host of the Premier League‘s hottest defensive stars.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool
Alongside Mohamed Salah’s ongoing contract saga at Liverpool, the Egyptian icon is not the only first-team superstar that could be leaving Anfield on a free transfer this summer.
Now in the final few months of his current deal with his boyhood club, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains at a complete standstill over an extension with the Premier League giants and it appears almost certain that a move away from Anfield is on the cards.
With many around the red half of Merseyside clearly frustrated by Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave on a free this summer, it is no secret that Real Madrid are sat firmly in the driving seat to get a pre-contract agreement completed over the next couple of months.
Missing Sunday’s EFL Cup final defeat against Newcastle after picking up a recent ankle injury, Liverpool’s academy graduate reportedly is excited about the prospect of a move to the Spanish capital this summer.
While Los Blancos might have seen their January approached rebuffed by Arne Slot’s side, discussions have continued between both parties and Alexander-Arnold is confident that his future will be officially sorted soon.
BREAKING: Liverpool have turned down an approach for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid 🚨 pic.twitter.com/kyeaDBOa96
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 31, 2024
Dean Huijsen – Bournemouth
While Bournemouth might have watched their shock European dreams take a dent over the past few weeks, Andoni Iraola’s side have underlined their status as one of the Premier League’s real surprise packages this season.
Gaining a reputation for their free-flowing approach under the former Rayo Vallecano boss, many of the Cherries’ first-team stars have been attracting plenty of heavyweight interest from across the continent.
Alongside continued speculation over Milos Kerkez’s long-term future at the Vitality, Dean Huijsen finds his stock at a red-hit high and has enjoyed a real breakout campaign with the European chasers.
While the Spanish defender might have only arrived at Bournemouth last summer following a £12.8million permanent deal with Italian giants Juventus, the 19-year-old is now regarded as one of the Premier League’s hottest defensive starlets.
While Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United might remain heavily linked with the Spanish U21 international, it has been suggested that Real Madrid have been closely monitoring Huijsen’s situation and have already started to put plans together over a potential summer swoop.
🚨 NEW: Dean Huijsen DREAMS of playing for Real Madrid.
The club is following his progress. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/E07o8rXQzS
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 13, 2025
Micky van de Ven – Tottenham
With Arsenal star William Saliba making it clear last week that he has no plans to leave north London this summer, it appears that Real Madrid have had to reassess their central defensive targets.
Although Los Blancos might have been linked with a move for World Cup-winner Cristian Romero over the past 12 months, it has been suggested that Ancelotti’s side are eyeing up a move for another Tottenham ace when the window reopens.
With Spurs enduring what has been a record-breaking domestic rut this season and already accepting that they will settle for a bottom-half finish in 2025, there is serious speculation over Ange Postecoglou‘s future.
Likewise, with a major rebuild expected behind the scenes in north London this summer, Spurs are desperate to raise some funds and have accepted that some of their first-team superstars could be pushed out of the exit.
Although Tottenham might have reportedly made it clear that they have no intention of cashing in on defensive talisman Micky van de Ven, reports in Spain have suggested that Los Blancos are a long-term admirer and are willing to test Tottenham’s resolve.
Spurs have no intention to sell Micky van de Ven in January despite Real Madrid links. Van de Ven contracted until 2029 with no release clause. He remains happy at Spurs.⚪️ pic.twitter.com/WBJPgzqaUW
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 29, 2024
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