Real Madridhave developed a reputation as the kings of free transfers in recent seasons.
The La Liga giants have utilised expiring contracts to secure crucial deals including swoops for David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe.
Their 2025 pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold was based on a free transfer as his contract at Liverpool expired in June.
The club were eventually forced to pay a release fee, to end his Anfield link, and bring him on board in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite boasting the biggest transfer budget in Spain, club president Florentino Perez operates with caution were possible, and he could facilitate an entire defensive refit on the cheap.
Alaba and Rudiger are both out of contract at the end of the 2025/26 season with major doubts over their renewal status at this point.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Xabi Alonso's options have been bolstered by the arrivals of Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Trent, but his cover in central defence is short.
Hujsen, Raul Asencio and Eder Militao could be his only assets - if Rudiger and Alaba leave - and moves are being made on three targets all out of contract in June 2026.
Real Madrid prepare Konate, Guehi and Upamecano offers
After William Saliba's decision to extend his contract at Arsenal, Real Madrid are hoping not to spend anything on defensive transfer fees, with Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guehi all in their sights.
Konate has opted against a renewal at Liverpool, amid rumours he wants to link up with France teammate Mbappe in Madrid, and Arne Slot's replacement target in Guehi could also pick Madrid over Merseyside.
Frustration over Liverpool's salary offer is a key stumbling block in the Konate talks whilst Guehi is rumoured to be angered by the Reds inability to wrap up an agreement for him with Crystal Palace ahead of the summer transfer deadline.
Despite Palace looking to sell their captain in January, to ensure a transfer fee, reports from talkSPORT claim Real Madrid will not consider anything other than free transfer.
Bayern Munich's Upamencano is the third option as he stalls over talks in Bavaria.
European football expert Andy Brassell believes Real Madrid will make offers to all three but securing a triple deal will be very difficult.
"I struggle to believe all three will go, because if we look at Real Madrid's wage bill, they've brought it down significantly in the last five to six years.
"If you can take even two of those three, Guehi, Upamecano and Konate, why would you engage in a really tough transfer battle with Arsenal for Saliba?
"You're getting better value for money and that's what really matters to Real Madrid in the modern world."
Real Madrid news and related links
- La Liga kickoff protests: Real Madrid join Barca in USA friendly objection
- Real Madrid star faces wait for national side starting spot
- Real Madrid scout urges signing of €60m Premier League star