Real Madrid are preparing for a huge squad rebuild this summer after another disappointing campaign ended without major silverware.
Los Blancos struggled throughout the 2025/26 season. The club suffered from inconsistency, dressing room tension, and major defensive problems during the second half of the campaign.
Xabi Alonso lost his job midway through the season before Alvaro Arbeloa stepped in as interim manager.
However, performances failed to improve significantly as Barcelona secured another La Liga title. Meanwhile, injuries also exposed serious weaknesses inside Real Madrid’s defence.
Eder Militao remains sidelined until at least October with a long-term injury. Antonio Rudiger continues to struggle physically.
Also, there is uncertainty surrounds the futures of several defenders at the club.
David Alaba and Dani Carvajal will leave, while Raul Asencio’s situation also remains unclear heading into the summer transfer window.
As a result, Florentino Perez has prioritised defensive reinforcements during the rebuild.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate and Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries have already become two key signings.
However, another high-profile defender is now attracting strong interest from the Spanish giants.
According to AS, Real Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol.
The Croatian international is reportedly open to joining Los Blancos and has already made it known that he would welcome a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid view Gvardiol as an ideal option because of his versatility. The 24-year-old can operate both as a centre-back and left-back.
It is something the Madrid hierarchy reportedly value highly given the uncertainty around Ferland Mendy’s fitness and the possibility of Fran Garcia leaving the club.
However, Manchester City are determined to keep the defender despite Pep Guardiola’s departure from the club.
Reports suggest City are already preparing a lucrative new contract offer in an attempt to increase Gvardiol’s salary and convince him to stay at the Etihad Stadium.
City signed Gvardiol from RB Leipzig for around €90 million in 2023 and will not lower their demands easily.
Now, negotiations could eventually depend on whether Gvardiol actively pushes for a move away from Manchester City during the coming weeks.
🚨 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: Josko Gvardiol wants to join Real Madrid from Manchester City this summer.
Real Madrid are willing to make an effort to secure his signing. He is their next big target.
— @diarioas pic.twitter.com/q2s07c2vcx
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) June 5, 2026
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