Madrid seeks midfield compass: Zubimendi, Stiller or Wharton in sights

With Rodri Hernández ruled out after rejecting Real Madrid and ultimately signing for Barcelona, the white club faces the league start with several reinforcements (Cucurella, Dumfries, Konaté, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espí and Yan Diomande), though only Bernardo can adequately address the obvious lack of control in midfield, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Spanish midfielder's signing was the most necessary addition for Madrid's ecosystem. Fans have been calling for it for two years, since Toni Kroos left, without a leader to guide the team's attacks. Madrid has until September 1st to bolster the engine room, something José Mourinho desires, though it depends on potential departures like Camavinga or Asencio.

The pool of available midfielders has shrunk considerably. The club is eyeing Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) as main options. Mourinho will count on Valverde and Tchouaméni in the double pivot, Bellingham as the number 10, and Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler as alternatives.