Real Madrid Transfer News: Major Names Eyed by Los Blancos in Latest Rumours

Real Madrid will reportedly look at strengthening the midfield area during the summer transfer window, as the latest rumours indicate likely manager Rafael Benitez sees the centre of the pitch as Los Blancos' biggest area of need.

According to Marca's E. Ortega, Juventus star Arturo Vidal is a favourite of Benitez, and he believes the imminent arrival of former Real star Sami Khedira could help facilitate a move:

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Midfield is one of the areas of the team that Rafa Benitez thinks needs strengthening and two names have already been linked with Real Madrid: Marco Verratti and Arturo Vidal. The fact that Los Blancos have publicly denied making an offer for Juventus man Paul Pogba, or even held talks with the player all but rules the Frenchman out of a summer move to the Bernabeu.

Sami Khedira's arrival at Juve opens the door to Vidal and Benitez is a big fan of the Chilean international, mainly due to his versatility and aggressive playing style. He also likes the physical side of his game and his attacking prowess, despite being a natural midfielder.

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As shared by Gianluca Di Marzio's David Amoyal, Juventus president Beppe Marotta confirmed German international Khedira is on his way to Turin:

Vidal has been heavily linked with a transfer to Arsenal the past week, and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger even discussed the midfielder during a recent press conference:

The Chile international has been one of Juventus' key players the past several years and is currently preparing for the UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona and the upcoming Copa America.

The news of Khedira's possible move to Turin sparked a number of rumours that quickly spiraled out of control, and just about every Italian outlet is yet to hear anything about a transfer away from the club for Vidal, via Amoyal:

Vidal has few reasons to join Arsenal, but Real are a whole different matter. The Spanish giants are a dream destination for just about every player, and Los Blancos have the financial means to make any move work.

With the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos already in the squad, central midfield doesn't appear to be a major need, although depth is an issue. Vidal brings a more physical approach to the pitch than any of Real's current stars, and he has already shown he fits well alongside top passers by acting as Andrea Pirlo's bodyguard in Turin.

The Bianconeri will do whatever it takes not to sell their star midfielder, but with Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio, Roberto Pereyra and Stefano Sturaro, they have a wealth of options in the centre of the pitch.

If the right offer comes along for Vidal, Juventus will consider a sale, per Italian newspaper Tuttosport (h/t Sport Witness):

The Old Lady could cope with the loss of Vidal, who would give Benitez a versatile option in the centre of the pitch to play with Modric and Kroos. But with James Rodriguez and Isco also in the fold, one has to wonder whether Benitez would consider moving the prolific Modric, who missed some time with injuries in 2014-15.

Marco Verratti Reportedly Eyed

Michel Euler/Associated Press

Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti is another central midfielder Benitez is reportedly eyeing, per Alvaro de la Rosa of AS, and the Italian appears a logical replacement for Modric as a deep playmaker with fantastic passing ability.

The Italy international presents a tricky target, as he has become one of PSG's most influential players. The French champions have no need to sell from a financial point of view, and per ESPN FC's Jonathan Johnson, the player is very happy in the French capital:

The link to Verratti is another indication Modric's future may not lie in Madrid, despite his fantastic contributions in the past two years. The Croat is a fantastic player and a favourite of the fans, but new managers always bring changes, and perhaps Benitez isn't convinced Modric is the man for the job.

Verratti brings similar passing ability with more defensive tenacity, and he's seven years younger than Modric, who will turn 30 in September.

It's hard to imagine Real actually selling Modric, who has been a top contributor when healthy and is still one of the best midfielders in the world. But links to both Vidal and Verratti indicate one of last year's regular starters may not be in Benitez's plans, and it's unlikely to be Kroos, who only just arrived in Madrid.

It will be interesting to see how the club approach the situation once the new manager officially takes up his role, but according to these latest rumours, we should be in for an interesting summer.

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