Real Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz as they search for a Toni Kroos replacement.

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Real Madrid eyeing summer move for WirtzSpanish giants keen to sign a Kroos replacementAlexander-Arnold also being monitoredFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Los Blancos decided not to sign a replacement for Kroos in the summer, instead choosing to stick with their current midfield options. But after an inconsistent start to the 2024-25 campaign, the club have reportedly ramped up their interest in Wirtz and will keep a close eye on the 21-year-old, with a view to signing him next summer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Replacing Kroos was always going to be a tough challenge, but a midfield featuring Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos has left Carlo Ancelotti without a dynamic, ball-playing central player. This concern has been highlighted by staff at the club, according to , with Madrid's interest in Wirtz intensifying in recent months as a result.

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Real Madrid will monitor Wirtz's performance in the Champions League to gauge his ability, considering he only played in the Europa League last year. Early scouting reports on the Germany international are positive, though, and he's impressed in Europe with three goals in four games this season.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

It's likely to be another exciting summer for Real Madrid, with the club also linked with moves for full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies. However, there may be some regrets over the decision not to add a Kroos-like midfielder to their ranks this year after seeing Barcelona storm to the top of La Liga.