Real Madrid Transfer News: Julen Lopetegui Reportedly Wants More Signings

Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui has reportedly asked the club for reinforcements during the summer transfer window, with a focus on central defence and attack.

Los Blancos have made fewer signings than expected, and according to AS' Sergio Santos Chozas, Lopetegui would prefer to see more players arrive. The European champions would be willing to indulge him, providing those players come at a fair price.

Real have made two major signings so far this summer, adding Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and full-back Alvaro Odriozola, a rising star from Real Sociedad. Vinicius Jr. also arrived from Flamengo after a deal that had been made some time ago.

Andrea Comas/Associated Press

They lost some good players, however, including key depth pieces Mateo Kovacic, Achraf Hakimi and Theo Hernandez on loan. Of course, the biggest departure was that of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, the club's all-time top scorer.

Per Chozas, the makeup of the squad also plays into Lopetegui's desire for additions. Jesus Vallejo, one of the team's brightest young talents, is out due to injury, and the former Spain national team coach would prefer to loan him out once he returns. 

Lopetegui previously confirmed Odriozola has also picked up a knock:

The tactician reportedly likes main attacking back-up Borja Mayoral, but the 21-year-old is still an inexperienced player. Raul de Tomas could still leave, adding to the need for another striker.

With Kovacic now at Chelsea and Marcos Llorente's future also a question mark, there could even be a space to fill in central midfield, per the Chozas. Dani Ceballos and Federico Valverde are two intriguing in-house options, however, so central midfield won't be a priority.

Among the possible targets, Thiago Alcantara could be an excellent fit. Onda Cero's El Transistor programme (h/t AS) previously reported Los Blancos see him as a possible replacement for Luka Modric, but even if the Croat stays, he could be a worthwhile addition.