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<ul><li>Real Madrid have spent heavily this summer</li><li>Still want a new midfielder to replace Toni Kroos</li><li>Are closely monitoring Spain star</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Real Madrid identify 'next big goal' as Xabi Alonso prioritises Toni Kroos replacement

<p>Los Blancos have already splashed out on Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono this summer to strengthen the squad but still have the financial might to spend big once again, according to <a href="https://as.com/futbol/primera/el-madrid-atento-a-rodrigo-n/" target="_blank">Diario AS</a>. The club's "next big goal" is to bring in a player who can replace Kroos in the heart of the midfield, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-reignite-interest-rodri-transfer-limit-set-man-city-star/bltcda512ee0f263739" target="_blank">Manchester CIty star Rodri very much still the favourite option</a>.</p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Real Madrid have also looked at Nicolo Barella, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister but have been put off all three as they are all under long-term contracts. Meanwhile, Rodri's deal at Manchester City expires in 2027, giving Madrid hope they can tempt him away from the Etihad Stadium</p><p></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Real Madrid are closely monitoring Rodri's situation but remain wary due to his recent serious knee injury that saw the Spain star sidelined for nine months. Rodri also suffered a fresh <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/setback-rodri-pep-guardiola-man-city-star-injury-concern-club-world-cup-acl-recovery/bltd3e4098a0fd724eb" target="_blank">setback at the Club World Cup,</a> meaning Los Blancos may be forced to wait to make any move for the midfielder.</p><p><strong></strong></p>

TELL ME MORE....

<p>Kroos has readily admitted that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/missing-profile-toni-kroos-insists-players-replace-real-madrid-fires-xabi-alonso-warning/blt9afc9287411dfcae#cs26e6cbf8c1b5bc2f" target="_blank">Madrid have failed to replace him adequately</a>. He said earlier this summer, via Mundo Deportivo: "They’re still missing a profile like mine, they’re still looking for it. There aren’t many players like that, and the ones that are there aren’t easy to get."</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Real Madrid players are enduring a break after their Club World Cup exploits. Alonso's side are due to kick off their La Liga campaign on August 19th against Osasuna.</p><p></p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID

Real Madrid identify 'next big goal' as Xabi Alonso prioritises Toni Kroos replacement | Goal.com

Xabi Alonso&apos;s side have prioritised signing a new midfielder to replace the departed Toni Kroos as their next big move in the transfer market.