5 alternatives to Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid 

This is the summer of Kylian Mbappe. Despite the fact that Neymar has taken over the football content fraternity with his impending move to Paris-Saint Germain, Mbappe’s influence is yet to be undermined.

With astronomical prices of over €150 million being discussed about the 18-year-old French kid – Monaco are actually asking for €180 million according to several reports – it seems likely that Real Madrid could come to their senses and not pay so much over the odds, right now, for a player that has been a first-team regular since last December only.

However, the lack of goalscorer is apparent now with Alvaro Morata gone. The Spaniard scored 20 goals last season in all competitions and needs a proper replacement. And here are 5 players that could be just that…

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#5 Kasper Dolberg

The Blonde Dane was a revelation last season

Sure, why not? If there is another teenage striker who had an impact as big as Kylian Mbappe last season, it is Kasper Dolberg. The Dane scored 24 goals in the Champions League and Eredivisie last season from only 36 starts and stamped himself as one of the teenage prospects to look out for.

While Dolberg might be labelled as a more talented version of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the former is more complete than the Dutchman. The 19-year-old is technically gifted and has an eye for goal. Give him the ball inside the box and he will most likely put it in the net.

His valuation will also be much lower than that of Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid will end up having another great talent in their squad, someone that could certainly mould into a world class player in two years' time.

#4 Andrea Belotti

Belotti was among the top scorers of Serie A last season

Now, the reason why this slideshow has been written is because of the extremely high price of Kylian Mbappe and the fact that Real Madrid can sign other players for lesser the amount. Hence, it is quite absurd to the see the name of a player that is valued at €100 million by his club.

But still, €100 million is a lot less than €180 million and that is why Andrea Belotti should be considered by the Blancos should they fail to acquire Kylian Mbappe. The 23-year-old was among the best forwards in Italy last season as he ended the season scoring 26 goals in the league from 34 starts.

The Italian is a hard-working forward that incessantly presses the opposition defenders while also being a very efficient scorer in the process. The Blancos will have to shell out €100 million to acquire his services, but it could be worth it.

#3 Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero was once very close to Real Madrid

The Real Madrid-Sergio Aguero love affair dates back to the time when the Argentine was ripping La Liga defences whilst playing for Atletico Madrid. It was illicit, but Real Madrid always fantasised about him. However, their fantasies were shattered when Aguero moved to Manchester City and things have been quiet ever since.

However, Florentino Perez could complete what he had always wanted – sign Aguero for the Galacticos. He might be older now, but his newly-found ability to stay fit and his inbred talent of being influential in games makes him a top-notch candidate to compete with Benzema.

And he is already world class. Given that the former Independiente kid is now 29 years old, it wouldn’t be outrageous to claim that he wouldn’t cost as much as some of the forwards in today’s market. With at least 3 years of top-level football left in him, he is a good bet for Madrid to place.

#2 Gabigol

Gabigol seems to have been forgotten

Gabigol was supposed to be the man that would lead Inter to a new era of glory. The Brazilian joined the Italian club amid much fanfare and hype, but started only one game and scored only once from 9 substitute appearances during his time in Italy.

His time in the dugout has not been a great one either. Gabigol, whose real name is actually Gabriel Barbosa, was left furious when he realised that he was going to be an unused sub against Lazio. As a result, he left the dugout even before the match was over.

He subsequently apologised for his behaviour, but word around the campfire is that Inter want to loan him out. This could be an ideal deal for Real Madrid as they could bring the Brazilian to the Bernabeu now and wait to see how Mbappe develops in France over the next year before making a final move.

In the meantime, Gabigol could mature at the club like another former Inter player, Mateo Kovacic, has done. It can’t be denied that Gabigol has talent and as actually linked to the Whites before his move to the Nerazzurri.

#1 Paulo Dybala

Dybala has the potential to be among the elite

And, we shall conclude this slider by adding the player that is most likely to be targeted by the Merengues should a deal for Mbappe never materialise. The Blancos have been linked with the Argentine for quite a while now, so it would make sense to bring him in.

There is no doubt that he would be an expensive purchase, but it is unlikely that he would cost as much as the French kid – despite the fact that Dybala is much more established. The left-footed Argentine is one of the best prospects in the game and could really thrive in a centre-forward role.

The 23-year-old scored 19 goals in all competitions – most of which came from an attacking midfield role – and, with age on his side, would improve even further. It has been a while since Real Madrid have had an Argentine in their squad – which is very uncharacteristic for the club – and Dybala could change that.