Since Zinedine Zidane's appointment as the head honcho at the Bernabeu, Los Blancos have shied away from making the big money moves they are so well-known for. However, with the cracks that have been visible in the team this season, the transfer market's wealthiest merchants look set to revamp and upgrade their current squad.
Real Madrid has been linked with Neymar for almost a year and the world is eager to see whether they'll break the transfer record to sign the ex-Barcelona man.
However, it's not only the attacking department that needs improvement; Los Blancos have got to do the same with the defence that has disappointed them for the most part of the season.
In such a case, spending €300 million on just one player doesn't look sensible. Also, they have a fine number of options available at cheaper rates, which could help them in investing money in other departments as well.
On that note, let's have a look at 5 attackers at reasonable prices Real Madrid should target instead of Neymar.
#5 Ciro Immobile
Ciro Immobile has had a rollicking 2017/18 campaign. The 28-year-old bagged an impressive haul of 41 goals in 48 games this season, winning the Capocannoniere for the second time in his career.
Ciro immobile's signing could relieve Cristiano Ronaldo of the mammoth pressure he is under for scoring goals. With Benzema underperforming and Bale frequently out with injuries, the Italian could help Ronaldo by sharing the goalscoring responsibilities.
With a transfer market value of £40.50 million at present, the 28-year-old is the best reasonable solution available for Real Madrid to eradicate their attacking woes. Although the player won't be sold at the market value, Los Blancos can use Karim Benzema as the sweetener in a deal to bring the Italian forward to the Bernabeu.
After having a glance at the numbers he has notched in the two years with Lazio, there's no doubt Immobile will be a fantastic return on investment, should Perez and sign him.
#4 Nabil Fekir
Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir has made the headlines this season with his electric performances for Lyon. The Frenchman has netted 23 goals in 40 games, setting up 9 goals in the process.
Out of all the players on this list, Fekir is the player most similar to Neymar thanks to his ability to score as well as create goals. Also, the Frenchman is a threat from outside the box, which could make Real Madrid more lethal during attacks.
Real Madrid will have to fend off competition from Liverpool if they want to sign the 24-year-old. With a market value of £45 million, he will definitely be worth the investment, if Zidane agrees on signing him.
#4 Mohammed Salah
Over the years, many players have been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. But, there's only one man who can back up his claim as the best alongside the duo with numbers.
Liverpool sensation Mohammed Salah was the best signing of the 2017/18 season. The Egyptian had a dream campaign, winning the Premier League Golden Boot and carrying his country to the World Cup after almost 3 decades. With 32 goals in the Premier League, he surpassed Ronaldo, Suarez, and Shearer as the highest goal-scorer in a single league season.
Real Madrid was recently linked with a cash-plus-player €140 million bid for the forward, with Karim Benzema included in the deal. Adding the fact that Salah has been at Liverpool only for one season might make the deal more complicated.
But, there's hardly a doubt that the Egyptian will cost as much as Neymar.
#2 Harry Kane
Long gone are the days when people used to brand Harry Kane as a one-season wonder. With two Golden Boots and a runner-up place in the scoring charts in the last 3 years, the Englishman has established himself as one of the best no.9s in the world. He has found the net 43 times in 50 games, continuing the growth of his graph of development.
However, dealing with Daniel Levy is always a challenge. The Tottenham chairman has built a reputation as a tough negotiator in the market, and Real Madrid has experienced his business skills after the Gareth Bale and Luka Modric deals.
Yet, Kane could come at a cheaper price than Neymar if the Madrid hierarchy adds Bale to sweeten the deal. Also, Tottenham's rumoured interest in the Welshman could prove to be the major factor that could see this piece of business go through.
#1 Eden Hazard
The Eden Hazard to Real Madrid saga may finally have a conclusion this season. Chelsea's disappointing and the Belgian's craving for a UEFA Champions League medal coupled with Los Blancos' increasing need for a star attacker makes the deal seem more likely.
Eden Hazard will definitely come cheap in comparison to Neymar. But, Real need to be aware of the fact that the Chelsea man is more of a traditional playmaker who creates chances rather than scoring 30 goals a season. However, he does have the ability to chip in important goals during times of need.
Hazard's playmaking ability would help Cristiano Ronaldo score twice the bucket load of goals he usually scores.
The quoted price for Hazard is £100 million and adding either of Bale or Benzema to the deal will definitely make it work, won't it?
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored.com & Transermarkt.com