Real Madrid turn away from another midfield transfer option after losing out on Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal

Real Madrid will not be pursuing the signature of VfB Stuttgart midfielder Stiller this summer, after they already lost out on key transfer target Zubimendi to Arsenal. The claim comes from a report by AS, who add that Madrid will not be spending big on a midfielder.

Luka Modric is set to depart the club this summer, just one year after the retirement of Toni Kroos. Despite the presence of world-class names such as Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga in the midfield, there's a prevailing sense that the club lacks a profile who can dictate the play and pull the strings from midfield as a deep-lying playmaker. New head coach Xabi Alonso had shortlisted Zubimendi as a key target, but the club opted against intervening in his switch to the Gunners. There were also links with Stiller, who was personally recommended to the club by Kroos. However, Madrid have withdrawn their interest.

The club has been linked with blockbuster moves for players such as Rodri, Alexis Mac Allister, as well as Enzo Fernandez. However, the 15-time European champions deem those operations to be too expensive. On the contrary, they haven't found any player who wouldn't cost as much to be convincing enough. Stiller presented an intriguing option, but the prospect of signing him has been rejected by the club internally, despite Alonso's plea to sign another midfielder.

After a disappointing debut under Alonso, with Madrid drawing against underdogs Al-Hilal 1-1 in their Club World Cup opener. They will next face Mexican outfit Pachuca on Sunday, June 22.