Real Madrid eye €70m-rated Barcelona target as an option after Kroos’ retirement | OneFootball

Toni Kroos’ decision to retire from professional football after the end of the upcoming European Championship has left the Real Madrid camp in a state of disarray.

Although the club maintain that they are not in immediate need of signing a direct replacement for Kroos, partly due to the presence of Jude Bellingham, they are keeping close tabs on the market.

Real Madrid eye move for Joshua Kimmich

In fact, a recent report from Diario AS suggests that Real Madrid have even identified Joshua Kimmich as a potential summer target.

It appears the Bayern Munich star has been identified as a potential replacement for Kroos. His ability to circulate possession and experience at the highest level of football make him an appealing target for Los Blancos.

Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on the situation revolving around Kimmich, who is facing an uncertain summer ahead.

Kimmich is an option for Real Madrid (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

The German’s contract at Bayern expires in 2025. The report adds that Kimmich is open to a new challenge elsewhere and the player, for his part, likes the idea of playing for Real Madrid.

Barcelona also involved in the chase

Real Madrid are not the only club interested in the services of Joshua Kimmich. The German international has also been linked with a move to FC Barcelona.

The Catalans have been tracking Kimmich for a long time and view him as a potential reinforcement option in the defensive midfield position.

However, the Blaugrana are likely to face economic challenges in their bid to sign Kimmich this summer, especially with Bayern likely to demand a fortune.

One would expect Real Madrid to face similar challenges as well, but Los Blancos do have the economic resources to navigate these hurdles.