Arsenal number one David Raya is allegedly one of two Premier League goalkeepers being targeted by Real Madrid ahead of the 2025-26 season.
It could be all change at the Bernabeu this summer, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to step down to be replaced by Xabi Alonso, who has confirmed he will be leaving Bayer Leverkusen.
Real have become familiar with the 4-3-3 and 4-3-1-2 systems during Ancelotti's tenure, but Alonso will be expected to implement his tried-and-tested 3-4-2-1 system if he was to take over.
A new centre-back is thought to be at the top of Real Madrid's summer wishlist, but Los Blancos have also been tipped to sign a new goalkeeper, in spite of the continued excellence of Thibaut Courtois.
The 33-year-old's contract in the Spanish capital only runs until the end of next season, though, while his deputy - Andriy Lunin - has been heavily linked with an exit, despite signing a new contract as recently as September.
Real 'targeting Raya, Bart Verbruggen' as Courtois successors
© Imago
While Courtois could still have several years left as a top-level goalkeeper, the Belgian's contract situation has supposedly seen Real Madrid begin to scope out long-term replacements.
According to The Sun, the 15-time European champions have taken a liking to two Premier League shot-stoppers, Arsenal's Raya and Brighton & Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen.
There is a belief that a deal for the latter would be easier to facilitate than Raya, whom Arsenal are likely to rebuff any bids for given his status as their undisputed number one.
However, Brighton are apparently bracing for offers to arrive for Verbruggen in the summer transfer market, and Los Blancos are prepared to submit an official enquiry to gauge the Dutchman's interest in a move.
While Verbruggen would initially have to accept a backup role behind Courtois, the report adds that Real are hopeful of persuading him to join with the promise of the number one jersey when his superior eventually departs.
Brighton 'identify two replacements' for Real Madrid-linked Verbruggen
© Imago
Whether Verbruggen would be willing to give up regular minutes at Brighton for a peripheral role at Real Madrid remains to be seen, but the Seagulls are apparently drawing up contingency plans in case of his exit.
Two ideal replacements for the Netherlands international have supposedly been identified - Burnley's James Trafford and Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher, who is seeking a first-choice role after years in Alisson Becker's shadow.
Manchester United have also been persistently linked with a swoop for Verbruggen as a possible successor to Andre Onana, who has apparently made a decision on his future ahead of the opening of the summer window.
Brighton paid just £16.9m to bring Verbruggen to the club from Anderlecht in the summer of 2023, and they would be well-placed to demand at least double that now given his exploits in England.
The 22-year-old has registered 16 clean sheets in 65 matches for Brighton across all tournaments, form that has also seen him promoted to the Netherlands' first-choice goalkeeper.
Ben Knapton
