Real Madrid are prepared to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer. But we all know that is highly unlikely to happen now.
However, the number 9 shirt at Real Madrid remains vacant for someone else to come and take it.
Here are five strikers Real Madrid can realistically sign and hand that coveted no. 9 jersey if their pursuit of Mbappe hits the rocks.
Dusan Vlahovic
Real Madrid have not even considered signing the Juventus striker who has been linked to clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal.
Vlahovic scored 14 goals in 42 games last season mostly due to the injuries he suffered. The season before he bagged 29 goals in all competitions.
Real Madrid can get him for €70m or even less than that this summer.
Kolo Muani
The French striker has proven to be brilliant in attacking spaces, shooting and running at defenders. He also poses a serious aerial threat.
Kolo Muani's numbers would impress Carlo Ancelotti. The 24-year-old scored 23 goals and 17 assists in 24 games for Eintracht Frankfurt last season and also played for France in the World Cup.
Real Madrid have previously been linked to Muani but they never made an offer. Madrid could easily snap him up for around €70m.
Lautaro Martinez
The Argentine striker was too hot to handle last season for Inter Milan. His work rate and output would perfectly suit a club like Real Madrid.
Martinez recorded 28 goals and 11 assists in his 57 appearances last term. He was also a fixture in the Argentina team that won the World Cup.
The 25-year-old striker could be signed for less than €100m if Madrid were to go for him.
Julian Alvarez
Real Madrid have not looked the way of the sensational Argentine striker. But they should.
Despite playing in the shadow of Erling Haaland at Manchester City last season Alvarez still managed to score 17 goals last season plus four assists. He scored four more goals in six games at the World Cup when he had more opportunities.
Real Madrid can convince the silky 23-year-old to leave the shadow of Haaland and chart his own course. His market value stands at €60m.
Roberto Firmino
Real Madrid were once linked to Roberto Firmino but like others on this list, Los Blancos never really pressed to get him.
However, unlike the other players named, Madrid can sign Firmino without paying a transfer fee as he's available for free.
Firmino is 31, but he's proven to be a deadly finisher for many years at Liverpool. Plus he has a good relationship with Rodrygo and Vinicius from the Brazilian national team.
Which striker do you want Real Madrid to go for if they can't get Mbappe?
