Real Madrid Transfer Rumors: 10 Potential Big Buys at the Bernabeu This Summer

Even though Real Madrid is currently 10 points ahead of rivals Barcelona, there is always room for improvement at the Bernabeu.

With the resources that Los Blancos have, almost no transfer rumor seems too unrealistic or wishful. If Madrid wants almost any player in the world, they have the funds necessary to purchase him.

Thus, despite the fact that the transfer window is not open in Europe, the rumors and speculation about possible signings continue to arrive at breakneck speed.

Though fans will have to wait a few months for any new players to arrive. Here are 10 of the biggest rumors to recently emerge.

Carlos Tevez

Surely to the chagrin of many Real Madrid fans, troubled Manchester City striker and golf enthusiast Carlos Tevez has been linked with a move to the capital in exchange for Gonzalo Higuain.

Gonzalo Higuain has not been used as a first-choice starter for much of the season, and the prolific Karim Benzema has been preferred instead.

While it would be nice to finally conclude the Carlos Tevez transfer saga, Madrid fans will likely want to avoid the resulting circus of having the Argentine on your team.

Wojciech Szczesny

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has had a fantastic season despite being only 21 years of age.

And even though Iker Casillas is only 30, Szczesny is being tipped as the Spaniard's successor between the Bernabeu sticks, and apparently, Real could make their move this summer.

Frankly, this is one of the most ridiculous rumors to emerge recently, as Szczesny is, as any Arsenal fan knows, unceasingly loyal to his team. And why Madrid would seek a replacement for a keeper who is in his prime is utterly beyond reason.

Andre Villas-Boas

In another highly unlikely story to emerge recently, Real Madrid has been mentioned by TalkSPORT as a potential destination for ex-Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The 34-year-old Portuguese disciple of Jose Mourinho was a victim of Roman Abramovich's ruthlessness, but could still pop back up and succeed at a sensible club that appreciates his philosophies long enough to stick with them.

Such a "signing" could only happen, of course, if Jose Mourinho leaves this summer, as he very well might, if reports linking him to his old job at Stamford Bridge are to be believed.

Of course, with all the managers out there, why a club of Madrid's stature would appoint a fresh-faced 34-year-old—and why Villas-Boas would take a job in another hot-seat in the first place—is unclear.

But in football, one never knows.

Robin van Persie

This is one rumor that will just not go away, no matter how much Arsenal fans may want it to, how well Arsenal play or how many other teams are in for the striker.

Van Persie is unequivocally one of the best strikers in the world at the moment and truly deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

It is inevitable, therefore, that the flying Dutchman has been linked with a move to Spain, and he would make Madrid's attack one of the most formidable in Europe if he decides to transfer this summer.

Lucas Moura

While many think of Neymar when one brings up the subject of Brazilian wunderkinds, the name Lucas Moura enters few minds.

The 19-year-old striker has already won 11 caps for Brazil while playing at a domestic club, which is as clear an indication of his talent as any other factor.

Among the litany of clubs that Moura has been linked with is Real Madrid, who have apparently been scouting him for some time. It could be a new era of Brazilian starlets at the Bernabeu if the rumors linking Neymar to the club come to fruition.

Hulk

Hulking Porto winger Hulk is certainly no stranger to big club rumors; his agent once stated that he could be had for a mere 100 million euros.

But now, speculation linking him to Real Madrid specifically has increased significantly, and it appears that Los Blancos will have to compete with Barcelona for the player's signature if they are willing to pay his fee.

Hulk himself stated, "Barcelona or Real Madrid, I think I would say yes to playing for these teams."

Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard has stated that he would prefer to move to England, but there would probably be no better fit for the Belgian wunderkind than the Bernabeu.

Madrid could afford the €50 million price tag that Lille president Michel Seydoux has stated would be necessary to pry Hazard away from France.

And his swift, technical style would fit extremely well in Spain, rather than a more blunt, physical league like Engand.

What better league would there be for a cross between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi than the one in which they both play?

Douglas

Enough with the strikers and wingers. How about a good old-fashioned center back to whet your appetite?

If that is the type of thing you are interested in, look no further. Brazil-born Twente defender Douglas has stated that he is ready to move to a different league and that he has "a dream to play for Real Madrid someday."

Douglas has been a rock at the back for Twente for the best part of the last five years and is one of the most consistent and reliable defenders in the attack-happy Eredivisie.

If he really is ready for a bigger club, there is no better team to play for than one you support, as there will certainly by no lack of motivation on the player's part.

Ezequiel Lavezzi

Napoli star Ezequiel Lavezzi has formed a powerful partnership with other stars Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik to help blaze his club through the Champions League.

His form has seen him be linked with transfers to Madrid in recent months, and Lavezzi's agent has even claimed that Los Merengues made a bid for the star's services last summer.

Despite this reported interest, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis insists that Lavezzi is not for sale, saying that "there will no no negations with any club."

While that sounds very firm, we have often seen what results after staunch opposition to a transfer by a club's management.

Sergio Aguero

Continuing the theme of attackers, Manchester City's prolific and petite Argentine striker, Sergio Aguero, is apparently being targeted by Real Madrid, who plan to return "Kün" to the capital.

Aguero knows the city well, having played for five seasons at Real's cross-town rivals, Atletico Madrid. While there were some doubts about the Argentine's physique adapting to the rigors of the English game, he has flourished, scoring 16 goals in the Premier League.

Real will surely have to pay a hefty price to prize a consistent starter away from Roberto Mancini, and Gonzalo Higuain is mentioned in the report as a player whom Madrid could offload for upwards of £30 million.