Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing David Alaba from Bayern Munich in the summer.
According to a report in Spanish publication Don Balon, David Alaba is the subject of interest from Real Madrid, who are in search of a centre-back and look set to make a move for the Bayern Munich defender in the summer transfer window.
Alaba joined Bayern Munich as a 16-year-old in 2008 and has since rapidly progressed through the ranks to establish himself as a mainstay for the Bavarians. In fact, the Austria international is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, having been an instrumental figure for Bayern in the last few seasons.
Still all of 24, Alaba has already notched up more than 250 appearances for the senior side at the Allianz Arena, and has continued to go from strength to strength with each passing season. And 2016/17 was yet another fruitful campaign for the player, making 47 appearances across all competitions for Bayern, while also chipping in with 5 goals and 7 assists.
Suffice to say, Alaba is a defender who could add value to just about any club in the world with his bombarding runs on the left flank, sensible defending as well as versatility to play across various positions. One such club is Real Madrid, who look set to make a move for him this summer.
Los Blancos are coming off a successful campaign under Zinedine Zidane, as they clinched a historic La Liga and Champions League double, and the Frenchman is eager to ensure his foot remains on the pedal to continue his side’s winning ways.
A position that the Real Madrid boss is eager to strengthen in the summer transfer window is defence. Pepe is set to depart from the Santiago Bernabeu when his contract expires this month, leaving Zidane with Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Nacho as his only central defensive choices.
Jesus Vallejo could provide the French manager with another option to consider, but it is believed that he is likely to be sent on another season-long loan spell to gain first team experience. Hence, Alaba, who is equally adept at playing at the heart of defence as he is as a left-back, is being eyed as a viable candidate to be pursued this summer.
To sweeten the deal, Florentino Perez could use Karim Benzema as part of the deal, as Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly eager to make attacking reinforcements with Douglas Costa set to leave Bayern. Ancelotti is a known admirer of the French striker, and a barter involving Benzema could see Alaba moving the other way.
Zidane, though, is unwilling to let his star striker leave this summer, and it remains to be seen if Real Madrid are able to strike a deal for Alaba without involving Benzema in it. Either way, a centre-back remains a top priority for Zidane, and a defender is likely to make his way to the Bernabeu this summer.
