Real Madrid transfer news: Xabi Alonso 'eyeing' Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter Milan midfielders

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: July 16 2025 | 12:17

Last updated: July 16 2025 | 13:24

Real Madrid 'eyeing' moves for three midfielders at different European rivals

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is allegedly contemplating whether to give the green light to a formal offer for one of three midfielders at different European rivals.

Real Madrid are reportedly contemplating whether to make an ambitious approach for at least one of three central midfielders at rival clubs.

Given the nature of their 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals, it has become apparent that Xabi Alonso has much work ahead to reclaim the La Liga title off Barcelona.

Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono have already been signed by Los Blancos across the last six weeks.

Nevertheless, with Luka Modric having departed for AC Milan, a considerable void has been left in the Real Madrid engine room.

According to Fichajes, club officials have collaborated with Alonso to identify three potential targets for the centre of midfield.

Which midfielders are Real Madrid targeting?

The report alleges that Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella are all on the shortlist.

That is despite it being alleged that the Real Madrid board recognise that it will be difficult to negotiate the exit of any of the trio during the summer transfer window.

Alexis Mac Allister is said to have already rejected interest from Bayern Munich and committed his future to the Premier League champions.

Fernandez is on a long-term contract at new world champions Chelsea, who value the Argentina international in excess of the £106.8m that they paid for him in January 2023.

Barella is arguably the most plausible arrival at the Bernabeu, despite still having four years remaining on his deal at San Siro.

Alonso facing midfield frustration

Despite significantly strengthening his defence, the report says that Alonso is eager to add "a brain in midfield" to finalise the club's business for the summer.

From the perspective of the club's hierarchy, they are happy to try to consolidate with their current options in that area of the pitch.

Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham are his first five choices, complemented by Ardu Guler and Mastantuono in more advanced roles.