Real Madrid are reportedly making room in their budget to move for a 'Galactico' next summer, and it is possible that the club could target both Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe.
Haaland's future has recently been the subject of much speculation, as there is allegedly a release clause of around €200m (£175m) in his contract with the reigning Premier League and European champions.
The Norway international has scored 69 times in 71 appearances for Man City since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund and has been in strong form this term, netting 17 goals in 18 outings.
Haaland's agent Rafaela Pimenta recently refused to rule out a switch away from the Etihad Stadium for her client, and there have been claims that another strong season for Man City could lead to the 23-year-old moving on to the next challenge.
Man City are said to be desperate to sign the Norwegian to a new contract, which would likely remove the release clause, but Haaland is already one of the best-paid players in the Premier League and is not thought to be in a rush to open discussions over a fresh deal.
© Reuters
Mbappe's future is also being heavily discussed, as the France international only has a contract with PSG until next June, and he is not expected to sign another extension.
There have recently been claims that Real Madrid have dropped their interest in Mbappe to focus on bringing in Haaland, but according to AS, there could be room in the budget for both forwards to arrive.
The report claims that Los Blancos will make a move for a big-name player next year, and the fact that Mbappe could be available on a free transfer means that bringing in both attackers is a possibility.
However, Mbappe would be looking for a substantial signing-on fee, while he would also want to be one of the best-paid players in world football with his next contract.
© Reuters
Addressing the speculation surrounding his future during the recent international break, Mbappe told Telefoot: "It's something I don't want to talk about, especially since I already did it in June and it took up a big part of the selection.
"I want us to talk more about the national team, rather than me talking about something that will be resolved one day, so there will be time to talk about that."
Mbappe has again been in strong form for his French club during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 15 times in 15 appearances in all competitions.
Real Madrid are currently short of attacking options, and Joselu is only on loan from Espanyol, with the forward expected to return to his parent club next summer.
As a result, there is likely to be room in the squad for both Haaland and Mbappe to arrive, joining Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo as attacking options at the club, while space in the wage budget could be made by the expected departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos next summer.