Real Madrid have struggled to impose themselves in Spain as their arch-rivals Barcelona, seem to be running away with the league title. Zinedine Zidane, the manager, will be desperate to change things up in January and this might see Los Blancos spend big bucks in the winter transfer window.
This could be a threat to players currently in the squad and one player who could be heading towards the exit door is Spanish youngster Dani Ceballos. The 21-year old has two goals in 186 minutes of La Liga action at the Bernabeu this season and is already struggling for first-team game time, having moved to Madrid just this summer.
The likes of Arsenal and AC Milan are ready to offer him a way out and Real might struggle to keep him beyond the summer transfer window. So how can they replace him? Here are three players the Spanish champions should scout, to replace their 21-year old midfield starlet:
Leon Goretzka (FC Schalke):
The German midfielder is currently one of the hottest prospects in world football and is wanted by almost every top club in Europe. Liverpool are reportedly front-runners for his signature but a chance to play under Zinedine Zidane might be enough for Real Madrid to lure the 22-year old. He is out of a contract at the end of the season and Schalke might be forced to sell in January. So if Real do lose Ceballos in the winter transfer window, they should go all out for Goretzka.
Arthur (Gremio):
A transfer target for Chelsea and Barcelona, Arthur is one of the most exciting midfielders currently in the domestic circuit in Brazil. Playing for Gremio, the 21-year old has been impressive, controlling the game in the top flight with ease and showing signs of improvement with every game. He is already making the headlines and is belongs at the highest stage and Real Madrid should join the race for his signature if they lose their 21-year old midfield in January.
Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Dortmund):
The 21-year old German midfielder was a transfer target for Real Madrid in the previous year, before he decided to move to the Signal Iduna Park. However, he has failed to establish himself in the first team, making just four starts this season, and could be ready for a move. He still has six assists to his name in the Bundesliga, and stands as one of the best players in his position, in his age group. Ceballos is slightly more established in Spain but Dahoud has all the makings of being a future star and will certainly fit in well at the Bernabeu.
