Gabriel Jesus leads Real Madrid's four-man shortlist for summer transfer targets

Real Madrid are making plans to boost their squad in the summer, and Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is top of their shopping list.

It's unlikely Real are going to defend their La Liga title this season, having fallen 12 points behind rivals Barcelona, following the recent El Clasico loss.

Club president Florentino Perez wasn't even present to watch the game with rivals Barcelona, instead taking in a match involving Real's basketball team, who also lost.

In typical fashion though, their campaign won't be judged on domestic success and it'll actually come down to whether or not they add to their European titles.

Even with so much of this season to go, thoughts at the Santiago Bernabeu are already turning to what happens after May in the Spanish capital.

With talk of Carlo Ancelotti moving on to become the Brazil boss, they may have to replace the manager, with Julian Nagelsmann a potential candidate.

But Perez is also eyeing up some changes to the playing team, with Defensa Central claiming the president has written up a four man shortlist for the summer.

Arsenal forward Jesus is top of the list of players he wants, with the Brazilian considered both competition and cover for Karim Benzema, who could also play in a number of positions.

Jesus was massively impressive for Arsenal before his injury. Image: Alamy

Benzema is now 35-years-old and his contract will only have one year left come the summer, meaning Los Blancos could start to transition him out of being so integral to the team.

Jesus has impressed for Arsenal since moving to the Emirates Stadium from Manchester City last summer, for £45 million, providing five goals and getting six assists in 16 league starts.

However, they haven't suffered with his absence from injury, still being top of the table by eight points, as he returned to the team recently.

If they were offered huge money then Mikel Arteta's side could be tempted to sell up, but that might depend on Real's other targets.

Real have also been heavily linked with a move for Erling Haaland, with City apparently set to offer him a huge contract to ward off the interest.

Jude Bellingham is also on the shortlist. Image: Alamy

The report says that Jude Bellingham is next on the Spanish giant's wanted list, although they accept there will be huge competition for the midfielder.

Celta Vigo wonderkid Gabri Veiga is also on their shortlist, as they look to further refresh a central midfield that still includes Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Finally in Perez's thoughts for the summer is Rayo Vallecano left-back Fran Garcia, with the club set to trigger a buy back clause to get the full back who they sold in 2021.

Brahim Diaz could also comeback to play for the team, with his two year loan deal at AC Milan due to come to an end in the summer.