Real Madrid 'targeting FOUR Premier League stars' that could make them the most formidable team in history
The 'ambitious' plan to recruit established Premier League stars comes after 'half-decade of financial realignment', where Madrid targeted younger players in order to build a squad for the future.
According to The Independent, the Spanish giants have set their sights on four Premier League stars as the 15-time European champions look to continue their dominance of the sport.
It's claimed that the La Liga giants are aiming to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and one of either Arsenal defender William Saliba or Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero.
The 'ambitious' plan to recruit established Premier League stars comes after 'half-decade of financial realignment', where Madrid targeted younger players in order to build a squad for the future.
This strategy was adopted partly as it was becoming increasingly difficult for the Spanish club to compete with the financial might of the Premier League's top teams.
However, that hasn't impacted Madrid's ability to win major trophies, with the Spanish club claiming five of the last nine Champions League trophies.
Shrewd business in the transfer market in recent years has restored Madrid's economic strength and could allow them launch huge bids for world-class players in the coming years - including the four Premier League players previously mentioned.
Rodri is said to be the club's primary target now he is a key figure for both Manchester City and the Spanish national side.
There is a belief at the Bernabeu that the midfielder eventually wants to return to Spain, with the outcome of City's ongoing 115 Premier League charges hearing potentially pivotal.
Alexander-Arnold has not yet signed a new contract with Liverpool, and will be available on a free transfer next summer if nothing changes in the coming months.
The right-back is said to have be in constant contact with Jude Bellingham about Madrid, with the pair close from their time together on England duty
Madrid are also 'keen' to sign Saliba, although there is an awareness that he could be the most difficult to sign out of the four - with the defender under contract with Arsenal until 2027.
They have therefore lined up Spurs defender Romero as an alternative, should Saliba remain with the Gunners.
Regardless of who they sign next summer, Real Madrid look certain to remain a major force in European football for years to come