Real Madrid have reportedly drawn up a five-man wish list of players who will be out of contract next season, with Kylian Mbappe being their main target.
Los Blancos have had a relatively quiet transfer window in terms of incomings so far, having only brought in David Alaba from Bayern Munich as a free agent.
According to AS, the cash-strapped LaLiga side is hoping to continue that trend as they are targeting five players who are expected to be out of contract in July next year, with Mbappe understood to be their top priority.
Scroll through the gallery above to see five potential free agents Real could sign next year, per AS
The France attacker has been linked with a move to Real for a while now, and many in the football world seem to believe that Madrid is the 22-year-old's next likely destination, especially after reports suggested that Mbappe will not be renewing his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Los Blancos, who are the UEFA Champions League's most successful team ever, have also earmarked Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as a player they will target next year, per AS.
The Bavarians are reportedly trying to tie the former Schalke star down to a new long-term deal, but his salary demands could hinder this agreement. According to Goal, Bayern president Herbert Hainer has admitted that the club cannot keep the player "at any cost".
Read: The latest on Mbappe amid Real links
Real's ageing midfield seemingly needs multiple reinforcements, with the Spanish giants also reportedly having their eyes on French stars Paul Pogba and Eduardo Camavinga of Rennes.
Much like Mbappe, Pogba has been linked with Los Blancos for a long while, and the club's interest in the player seemingly continues despite the departure of former manager Zinedine Zidane, who was reportedly a massive admirer of the Manchester United star.
Camavinga's form for Rennes over the past year or so has seen many top clubs sit up and take notice of his ability, and the 18-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in football, so it is no surprise that Real are interested in his signature.
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger's form since the beginning of the year has propelled his career to new heights, with the German centre-back having played a significant role in the Blues' recent success under countryman Thomas Tuchel, including victory in the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League campaign.
The former AS Roma star endured a dismal spell under previous coach Frank Lampard, and was reportedly on the verge of leaving the London club.
However, while he is now understood to be firmly on Real's radar – especially with defenders Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane having left Los Blancos in this window – Rudiger's future remains unclear as he could yet agree a new deal with the Blues.
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