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Zidane's shock exit from Real Madrid will not be without its share of collateral damage, and the ripples of his departure will be felt long after. First and foremost among them will be the fate of one particular French striker.
Throughout the season, Zidane constantly defended Benzema from critics both local and international. Despite Benzema scoring in both the semifinal and final of the Champions League, his overall form is not good enough for an incoming manager to consider his precious goods.
If Benzema is indeed shown the door before the next window, Madrid will need a suitable replacement to partner alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Here are 3 players who could be possible replacements for Benzema:
#3 Alvaro Morata
The former Real Madrid striker was shown the door by Zidane, as he wasn't considered vital to the team at the expense of Benzema. But now that the former is out, it might be time for the prodigal son to make a return.
After a brilliant start to his career at Chelsea, followed by a subdued three-fourths of the season, Morata is rumored to be unsettled in England. His agent has been seen all over Italy and there might have been talks with Milan and Juventus.
Recalling Morata to the team might be productive for Madrid as it won't cost a lot of money, considering Chelsea look to cash in on the player in pursuit of other strikers. Morata was also great during his stint at Madrid when he often came on from the bench and scored.
#2 Mauro Icardi
At 25, Mauro Icardi is one of the best strikers in Serie A at the moment, and one of the hottest prospects in the current transfer window.
As someone who plays as a pure striker, Icardi is always on the prowl for a goal and is one of the main reasons why Internazionale qualified for the UEFA Champions League this season.
Recent rumors suggest that Juventus might be in for him, in a cash plus player offer for Higuain and Madrid have also been linked with him. The very fact that Juventus consider him worth pursuing at the expense of Higuain should be enough proof of his quality - where he scored 30 goals last season.
Los Blancos' history as a club will be useful in this case, as it will be an extra factor in luring him away if Juventus can offer him the same wages.
#1 Robert Lewandowski
If there is one player in this transfer window Real Madrid should pursue, it has to be Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski will fit Madrid's Gameplan to a T - he is highly effective on crosses and will certainly bring 20-30 goals per season. With him, Madrid can also focus on the league, something they've not done often in the recent years.
The Polish forward has expressed a desire to leave the club in search of newer challenges abroad, and what better challenge than playing in La Liga competing against a double-winning Barcelona?
In addition to this, Lewandowski will fit the profile of a galactico signing - Big money, looks fly, and scores bangers for fun.
