Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, La Liga, Champions League
Chris Nee
Xabi Alonso has announced his imminent departure from Bayer Leverkusen and the transfer plans of his new club are already being carried out with him in mind.
Real Madrid have got their man but they're not a club prone to handing over the reins to any head coach.
According to reports in Spain, at least one of Alonso's key recommendations has already fallen on deaf ears in the Bernabeu boardroom.
Relevo's Jorge C. Picon reports that Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi is also wanted by Alonso and he took the suggestion to the recruitment decision makers at Real Madrid.
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But with the club's summer transfer plans apparently and perhaps unwisely not including a defensive midfielder, Alonso's request to bring in his fellow Basque, with whom he shares an agent, looks unlikely to come to fruition.
"The Whites had his name noted, but they have not made any attempt to sign him and have watched from the sidelines every move the Basque player made," writes Picon.
"Signing a pivot was not part of their plan, and they have remained firm in that idea.
"The person who most wanted him dressed in white was Xabi Alonso, the next Real Madrid manager.
"He also mentioned other players they would like to bring on board. The response he received from the club was clear: they will be considered, but the final decision on any signing will be made in the offices."
The reporter reveals that the agreed plan does not include a midfielder of Zubimendi's ilk but one fitting a more creative profile is considered desirable.
Real Madrid have an embarrassment of attacking riches but have lacked some defensive robustness and creative coherence in key moments this season.
Alonso will replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu and the outgoing boss is an admirer of the former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder.
"[Alonso] has done an incredible job and he has the doors open to him because he has shown he is one of the best in the world," Ancelotti told the press before Sunday's must-win Clasico against La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Los Blancos are four points behind their rivals and a win at the Nou Camp would blow the title race wide open.
After Barcelona's triumph in the Copa del Rey and Real Madrid's Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal, the league is their last hope of sending Ancelotti out on a high.