Real Madrid are set to enter an exciting era under Xabi Alonso, and shock reports from Spain suggest that the manager is keen to sign a Liverpool cult hero.<\/p>\n
The LaLiga giants have already secured the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to feature in the Club World Cup after they paid an \u00a38.4m fee to release him from his Liverpool contract early.<\/p>\n
And now, it has been claimed that Alexander-Arnold could be joined at the Bernabeu by his former Liverpool<\/a> teammate Roberto Firmino<\/a>, who is desperate to leave Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.<\/p>\n According to\u00a0AS<\/a>,\u00a0Madrid are mulling over a surprise move for the 33-year-old, as Alonso looks to add an experienced forward to his ranks.<\/p>\n It\u2019s claimed that Madrid<\/a> want to sign a \u2018Joselu-like\u2019 striker this summer \u2013 not necessarily a big name but a goal scorer who can perform well when called upon.<\/p>\n Firmino has just finished his second season with Al-Ahli and despite initially struggling to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia, he scored\u00a021 goals in 65 appearances and led Al-Ahli to the AFC Champions League Elite title this season.<\/p>\n However, the Brazilian has been heavily linked with moves away from Saudi, and it remains to be seen whether Madrid will make a move for him this summer, as the report suggests.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/strong>:\u00a0Revealed: Details of Liverpool\u2019s offer to Milos Kerkez as Richard Hughes gets involved<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Firmino wages would be an obstacle for Real Madrid<\/strong><\/p>\n Firmino\u2019s contract with Al-Ahli expires in 2026, so the Saudi side risk losing him on a free transfer if they don\u2019t sell him this summer, as he\u2019s unlikely to sign an extension.<\/p>\n However, Firmino is on a reported wage of around \u00a3300,000 per week, so would likely have to agree to a pay cut to head to the Bernabeu, if the reported interest is true.<\/p>\n The report also names Osasuna striker Ante Budimir as a potential signing for Madrid.<\/p>\n The Croatian striker had an outstanding season with Osasuna, scoring 21 goals. He meets two key criteria: he\u2019s experienced\u2014turning 35 next month\u2014and affordable.<\/p>\n Although he extended his contract last October until 2027 with a buyout clause of \u20ac20 million, a special clause temporarily lowers that fee to \u20ac8 million during a limited period of the transfer window.<\/p>\n This short-term discount makes him an especially appealing target.<\/p>\n DON\u2019T MISS<\/strong>:\u00a0Real Madrid wages: Top 11 highest-paid players on football\u2019s biggest wage bill<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Latest Real Madrid news<\/strong><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\u00a0Real Madrid \u2018finalising\u2019 \u00a342m signing that massively helps Man Utd<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\u00a0Man Utd planning shock signing after Mbeumo that would haunt Real Madrid<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n