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Topics: Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, Transfer News, La Liga, Football
Xabi Alonso has identified three potential summer signings if he is to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager at the end of the season.
It has been confirmed by The Athletic's David Ornstein that Ancelotti will leave Madrid at the end of the season following a disappointing campaign on all fronts.
After being knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal and losing in the Copa Del Rey final to Barcelona, Ancelotti's only hope of silverware is this summer's Club World Cup or retaining the La Liga title.
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However, even that seems a tough task with Barcelona four points clear at the top of the table, meaning a trophyless season is a real possibility if Madrid don't prevail in the US.
With Ancelotti's departure all but confirmed, attention turns to who will take over the mantel at the Bernabeu and it looks increasingly likely to be Bayer Leverkusen's Alonso.
With the former Madrid midfielder in pole position to rejoin his former club, it has been reported that he has already identified three transfer targets he wants to join him in the Spanish capital.
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According to Diario AS, Alonso to sign Martín Zubimendi, Florian Wirtz, and Jonathan Tah if he does make the move to Madrid.
Zubimendi has been heavily linked to Arsenal this summer, however, his £50 million release clause is yet to be activated by the Gunners.
Wirtz, who is currently managed by Alonso in Germany also looks to be heading elsewhere, with Bayern Munich moving ahead in the race to sign the midfielder.
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Following the reports linking Alonso to the Madrid job, he addressed his situation and insisted his full focus was on Leverkusen.
"It's not a good time to discuss the future,” said Alonso, whose side sit six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.
“We're at a very important moment in the season.
"I don't want to talk about speculation and rumours,” he added. “[I understand] that this is happening, but what's more important to me is what's happening right now."