A major aspect of Real Madrid’s transfer plans heading into the summer window happens to be reinforcing the central defence before next season.

With David Alaba set to leave and Raul Asencio not a part of the team’s plans, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao remain the only starting options in the department.

Of them, however, the Brazilian is now out for five months and has become an unreliable option in terms of fitness. With Rudiger also now 33 years of age, there is a serious deficiency of depth in defence.

As confirmed by El Chiringuito in a recent report, Real Madrid are not only considering making only one signing in the department but intend to add significant depth in the position.

Their plan, thus, is to sign as many as three defenders in June to completely strengthen the backline. The president is fixated on improving the squad and sees it as a priority, and the defence is seen as one of the key areas.

David Alaba will leave in the summer. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Los Blancos have sufficient depth at full-back as matters stand and are thus unlikely to make recruitments in those departments. All the funds reserved for defence will thus likely go towards signing central defenders.

Given the current inflation in the transfer market, the Merengues cannot possibly make three big-name signings in the department given how the midfield is also a priority.

What one can expect, however, is a good balance between experience and youth as the club will look to hire a leader with experience and also some young prospects to develop in the long-term.

Ibrahima Konate and Nico Schlotterbeck are some of the targets identified in the former category, while Jon Martin has emerged as a potential target as a prospect. Negotiations will progress as the end of the season nears.