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Real Madrid have had an indifferent 2020-21 campaign, but they have enjoyed a good run of results in recent games.
The Galacticos have progressed to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, while also mounting a decent La Liga title defence.
Five players Real Madrid could sign in the summer
Real Madrid are renowned for signing the best players in the world. However, the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt by most top clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid.
That meant Real Madrid did not sign any players last summer, despite winning the La Liga. However, due to several inconsistent performances and injuries to key players this season, Real Madrid are expected to go all out for new signings this summer.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is also very keen to get Real Madrid back to winning the coveted Champions League once again, a competition they last won in 2018. Therefore, Los Blancos will be on the lookout for reinforcements ahead of next season.
On that note, let's take a look at five players Real Madrid could sign in the summer.
#1 David Alaba
Bayern Munich's veteran defender David Alaba has confirmed that he will leave the German giants in the summer after a trophy-laden 12-year stint at the club.
As expected for a player of his calibre, several top clubs are interested in the services of the Austrian, with Real Madrid emerging as one of the frontrunners for his signature.
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has been plagued by several injuries this campaign. The Spaniard has also been linked with a move away from the club, alongside long-time defensive partner Raphael Varane.
David Alaba could be the ideal replacement for either player, as he also has a wealth of experience under his belt.
The 28-year-old can also play at left-back - his original position before moving to central defence last season.
With David Alaba's contract at Bayern Munich expiring in the summer, if Real Madrid opt to snap him up, they will only have to pay his wages.
#2 Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba to Real Madrid has been touted to happen for many years now. With Zinedine Zidane an admirer of his countryman, the deal could finally happen this summer.
Pogba has also stated his desire to play for Real Madrid, saying that it would be a dream for him.
The Manchester United midfielder has always been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with his agent insisting that this could be his final season with the English team.
With Toni Kroos and Luka Modric fast approaching the twilight of their careers, Pogba is easily one of the few players who could fill in for both veteran midfielders at the club.
Pogba is currently in the penultimate year of his contract at Manchester United and is enjoying arguably his best campaign with the Red Devils.
Manchester United would be unwilling to let their star midfielder leave easily. But with a year left on his contract, it should not be difficult for Real Madrid to make a move for the player.
#3 Harry Kane
Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane, a key target of Real Madrid, is one of the best goal-scorers of his generation.
Despite scoring countless goals for Spurs, Kane's time at the London club has been marked by a lack of trophies. This is undoubtedly a situation he will aim to correct as he approaches the latter years of his career.
Harry Kane has been Tottenham Hotspur's top scorer for seven consecutive seasons, so the England captain could be a very welcome addition at Real Madrid, who have struggled for goals.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure in 2018, Real Madrid have relied almost solely on Karim Benzema for goals. While the Frenchman has delivered superbly, it has been inadequate on some occasions.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has a reputation of driving hard bargains for selling players. However, with the team's chances of silverware looking bleaker with every passing season, Kane might push for a move out of the club.
#4 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is one of the best young players in the game at the moment. From his teenage years, he has been breaking countless scoring records in the French Ligue 1.
After six years in the French top flight, Mbappe could be on the move to Real Madrid.
The youngster has scored over 150 goals in his short career and has won every trophy available to him except the Champions League. He came closest to winning the prestigious competition last season but lost to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the final.
With Real Madrid winning the most Champions League trophies in competition history, Los Blancos could be Mbappe's best chance of winning the trophy should it elude him again this season.
Mbappe is currently the second-most expensive signing in history, so Real Madrid will definitely have to break the bank to secure his services. However, the 22-year-old has just one year left on his contract at PSG and has not signed a new contract yet, hinting at an interest in a Real Madrid move.
#5 Erling Haaland
Borussia Dortmund sensation, Erling Haaland, has been widely touted as the next big thing in the game.
Fans and pundits worldwide have predicted another "Ronaldo Vs Messi" competition between the Norwegian and PSG's Kylian Mbappe.
The 20-year-old striker joined Borussia Dortmund last year and has already scored 49 goals for the Black and Yellows. Haaland has an insatiable hunger for scoring goals as well as winning trophies. While he has demonstrated the former in abundance at Dortmund, the latter is yet to happen.
A move to Real Madrid could provide him the opportunity to win multiple trophies as he could also be the heir apparent of the club's veteran Karim Benzema.
Haaland has spent just over a year at Borussia Dortmund and reportedly has a €60M release clause. However, it would only get activated in 2022.
The striker looks destined to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, and Real Madrid are one of the few clubs that could secure his signature.
