"Real Madrid Targets Rodri, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and William Saliba or Cristian Romero for Summer 2025 Transfers: A Comprehensive Look"

"Real Madrid Targets Rodri, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and William Saliba or Cristian Romero for Summer 2025 Transfers: A Comprehensive Look"
Photo by Joshi Milestoner / Unsplash

Real Madrid has long been known as a powerhouse in the world of football, with an unquenchable thirst for securing the best talents from around the globe. In recent years, however, the Spanish giant has pivoted toward a more strategic approach, focusing on young talents with immense potential while managing their finances judiciously. This careful planning has positioned them well for future market moves. As they prepare for the summer of 2025, "Los Blancos" have their sights set on three key players: Rodri, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and a central defender—either William Saliba or Cristian Romero, according to a report from The Independent.

This potential transfer wave comes on the back of the Kylian Mbappé acquisition, which is seen as the beginning of a new era for the Madrid club. Real Madrid now aims to capitalize on their financial power and rebuild an even stronger squad to remain competitive both in La Liga and on the European stage. Let’s break down the potential signings that could reshape the future of the club.

Rodri: A Midfield Maestro with Spanish Roots

Rodri, the talented central midfielder of Manchester City, has caught the attention of many top clubs, but Real Madrid sees him as an ideal candidate to bolster their midfield. The 27-year-old Spaniard has become one of the most reliable players in Pep Guardiola’s system, excelling as a defensive midfielder who can also contribute offensively. His ability to control the tempo of the game, recover possession, and deliver precise passes makes him a valuable asset for any team.

Real Madrid is particularly interested in Rodri due to his Spanish heritage and the prospect of him returning to his home country at the prime of his career. The club believes that Rodri might be open to the idea of joining them, especially considering his success in England and the potential desire for a new challenge. As the midfield backbone of Manchester City, Rodri has already won multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy, adding to his impressive resume. Real Madrid, however, is closely monitoring the ongoing hearings related to Manchester City’s financial misconduct case, which could affect the player's availability.

Incorporating Rodri into their squad would give Real Madrid a robust midfield presence to complement their current options, including Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham. His presence could also provide more tactical flexibility, allowing Carlo Ancelotti to rotate players without losing midfield stability.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Right-Back Revolution

Another key player on Real Madrid’s radar is Liverpool’s right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world, Alexander-Arnold’s attacking prowess and creativity have set him apart. His pinpoint crosses, long-range passing, and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities have made him a pivotal figure at Anfield. However, his current contract with Liverpool is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and there has been no renewal as of yet.

The uncertainty surrounding his contract situation has sparked interest from various European clubs, including Real Madrid. According to reports, Alexander-Arnold has already discussed the possibility of joining Real Madrid with his close friend, Jude Bellingham, who made a successful move to the Spanish capital from Borussia Dortmund. The 24-year-old full-back is reportedly weighing his options, watching closely how Liverpool fares in the post-Jürgen Klopp era.

Should Liverpool fail to maintain its competitiveness or undergo significant changes after Klopp’s departure, Alexander-Arnold could be tempted to seek a fresh challenge at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid sees him as a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal and an upgrade to their attacking play from the right flank. His ability to deliver precise crosses and his vision for game-changing passes align with the club’s attacking philosophy.

William Saliba: Arsenal’s Rising Star

In addition to reinforcing their midfield and right-back positions, Real Madrid is also in the market for a central defender. Arsenal’s William Saliba has emerged as their top target in this area. The French center-back has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s squad, playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s resurgence as a Premier League contender. Saliba’s defensive intelligence, strength, and composure on the ball have garnered widespread acclaim, making him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.

However, Real Madrid acknowledges that signing Saliba could prove to be one of their most challenging pursuits. Arsenal is on an upward trajectory, with ambitions to compete for both domestic and European honors. Saliba’s rise as a central figure in the team’s defense makes him a valuable asset for the Gunners, and prying him away from North London may require a significant financial investment. Moreover, Arsenal’s recent successes under Arteta could persuade Saliba to remain and be part of the club’s long-term project.

Despite the difficulties in securing his signature, Real Madrid remains hopeful. They believe that with the right offer and the allure of joining one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, Saliba might be persuaded to make the switch. If Madrid can pull off this transfer, it would significantly bolster their defense and provide them with a solid foundation for years to come.

Cristian Romero: A Backup Plan with a Strong Presence

In the event that Real Madrid is unable to secure Saliba, they have identified Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero as a strong alternative. The Argentine defender has been a standout performer for Spurs since his arrival from Atalanta in 2021. Known for his aggressive tackling, aerial dominance, and leadership qualities, Romero would bring a different defensive style to Real Madrid compared to Saliba’s more composed approach.

While Saliba may be the preferred choice, Romero fits the profile of a central defender who can meet Real Madrid’s immediate needs. At 26 years old, Romero is entering the prime of his career, and his experience in both Serie A and the Premier League has prepared him for the highest levels of competition. His performances for Argentina during their Copa America triumph in 2021 further solidified his reputation as a reliable and capable center-back.

Real Madrid views Romero as a more attainable option compared to Saliba, especially considering Tottenham’s recent struggles. With the club underperforming in the Premier League, Romero might be open to exploring new opportunities, particularly with the chance to compete for trophies at Real Madrid.

The Kylian Mbappé Factor: Setting the Stage for Big Moves

The signing of Kylian Mbappé during the summer of 2024 marked a significant turning point for Real Madrid. After years of pursuing the French superstar, they finally secured his services, signaling their intent to return to the top of European football. Mbappé’s arrival has given the club renewed energy and momentum, as they seek to build a squad capable of dominating both La Liga and the Champions League.

With Mbappé leading the line, Real Madrid is keen to surround him with top-tier talent in all areas of the pitch. The potential signings of Rodri, Alexander-Arnold, and either Saliba or Romero would further strengthen the squad, creating a well-balanced team that could compete at the highest level for years to come.

Financial Power and Strategic Planning: Real Madrid’s New Approach

Over the past five years, Real Madrid has shifted away from their previous galáctico strategy, where they splurged on the world’s biggest stars. Instead, they have focused on investing in young, talented players who can develop into future stars. This approach has allowed the club to rebuild its financial strength while maintaining competitiveness on the field.

The acquisitions of players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham exemplify this strategy. By carefully selecting younger players with high potential, Real Madrid has managed to keep transfer spending in check while nurturing future stars. This financial discipline has positioned them well to make significant moves in the transfer market, including the pursuit of Rodri, Alexander-Arnold, and a top-tier center-back.

Real Madrid’s financial power, coupled with their strategic planning, allows them to compete for the best players in the world. They are not only looking to strengthen their squad for the short term but also building a foundation for long-term success. The summer of 2025 could be a pivotal moment in this plan, as they aim to assemble a team capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe.

Current Performance and Future Ambitions

As of now, Real Madrid is sitting third in the La Liga standings, with 11 points from their first five matches of the season. While the team has shown glimpses of their potential, they are still refining their play under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership. The addition of new signings in the summer of 2025 could provide the boost needed to reclaim their position as Spain’s top club and reassert their dominance in the Champions League.

With a mix of experience, youth, and top-quality signings, Real Madrid is poised to enter a new era of success. The potential acquisitions of Rodri, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and either William Saliba or Cristian Romero would strengthen key areas of the squad, providing the depth and quality needed to compete at the highest level.

In conclusion, Real Madrid’s ambitious plans for the summer of 2025 underline their determination to remain a footballing powerhouse. With financial power, strategic planning, and the allure of playing for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs, "Los Blancos" are well-positioned to make their mark once again on the global stage.