Following their disappointing elimination from the Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of Arsenal, Real Madrid is preparing for a crucial summer.

The 2024/25 season has exposed key weaknesses in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad—an unbalanced attack, lack of tactical cohesion, and glaring gaps in defense and midfield. The club’s European failure has intensified calls for a squad overhaul, especially as the legendary Italian coach seems set to leave his post at the end of the campaign. Thibaut Courtois didn’t mince words, openly criticizing the lack of a traditional striker and calling for more collective play, a sentiment reportedly shared within the dressing room.

In response, the Madrid board has outlined three top priorities for the upcoming transfer window. First, a new right-back is set to arrive, with Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly close to signing on a free transfer. Second, the club is targeting a central defender, with Juventus’ Dean Huijsen on their radar—though the €60 million price tag remains a sticking point. Third, Real Madrid is seeking a midfield successor to Toni Kroos, who may leave this summer. The top candidate is Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, who has already rejected Arsenal to prioritize a move to the Spanish capital.

While Real Madrid aims to remain cautious with spending—favoring free transfers and internal solutions—the pressure from fans and the media may push president Florentino Pérez to act more aggressively than originally planned. However, the No. 9 position remains unresolved, as the club believes Kylian Mbappé and Endrick will be sufficient for now, despite concerns about the lack of a true striker.