Real Madrid not planning to sign a new centre-forward despite concerns – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the quarter-finals after a lacklustre performance against Arsenal across two legs.

The exit and the manner in which the team lost has raised alarm bells within the club given the quality of players that Carlo Ancelotti had on the field.

Naturally, planning to strengthen the squad for the next season is already underway with several positions of weakness being identified.

No plans for a new No. 9

However, despite the obvious concerns surrounding the No. 9 position, Real Madrid have no plans to bring in a new centre-forward in the summer transfer window, reports Foot Mercato.

The lack of attacking threat and cohesion in the frontline, particularly during the Arsenal defeat, has been worrying without a doubt.

Soon after the game, Thibaut Courtois pointed out the fact that Real Madrid kept hitting crosses into the box without a target – suggesting that they had missed a true No. 9 like Joselu.

It is widely accepted that Kylian Mbappe is not a natural striker, and the squad lacks a true reference in that position. Still, the club insist that the Frenchman along with Endrick will be enough.

Real Madrid to continue banking on Mbappe, Endrick. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Instead, Real Madrid are counting on the next manager to create a more fluid attacking system, something Ancelotti has struggled with, and help Mbappe shine in a new setup.

The Merengues’ hierarchy also hopes the new coach can solve the team’s recurring problem of lacking presence in the box.

What are the plans for the summer then?

As things stand, the idea remains to sign a right-back (Trent Alexander-Arnold), a centre-back, and a central midfielder.

Dean Huijsen remains the priority at centre-back but the Merengues remain hesitant about paying his €60 million release clause. Martin Zubimendi, meanwhile, is the target to reinforce the midfield.

Even though earlier reports suggested that a new left-back might be on the agenda, as things stand, Real Madrid seemingly plan to count on Ferland Mendy, Fran Garcia and David Alaba next season.