Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are all likely to be busy in the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their ranks.
The Premier League’s top sides are normally able to attract the world’s best players – but when Real Madrid get involved, that can throw a spanner in the works.
And with Real Madrid set to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Xabi Alonso this summer, it could have big repercussions on what Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and others do in the market.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey looks at how Alonso’s imminent switch to the Bernabeu could impact the Premier League’s top sides.
Manchester City’s Florian Wirtz pursuit could be further at risk
Florian Wirtz, who Manchester City are keen on signing, has worked and prospered under the tutelage of Alonso at Leverkusen.
And it’s not uncommon for managers to raid their former clubs for players they’ve worked well with, which means Wirtz could almost immediately become a target for Real.
“In terms of his immediate move from Bayer Leverkusen – we know ideally he would like to bring Florian Wirtz with him,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.
Bayern Munich are confident of winning the race for his signature but Manchester City remain keen and have not given up.
“But now with a chance to move to Madrid firmly in the picture, that complicates matters further for City.”
However, there could also be some beneficial consequences for the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and City regarding one of Real’s top players.
“The interest in Wirtz, whether he arrives or not, could impact on Rodrygo,” continued Bailey.
“As we have already revealed, the Brazilian winger will be one of the first to want talks with Alonso.
“If he does not like what he hears, then the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and City will all be interested in that outcome.
How Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid could disrupt Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool transfer plans
Arsenal boast one of the world’s best defenders in William Saliba, but his name has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for years now.
Alonso’s imminent move to the Bernabeu could potentially rekindle that interest as the Spaniard looks to reshape his squad.
“There is also Real’s plans for a new defender, and two of the main names are Premier League players,” said Bailey.
“William Saliba is Real’s top target, but luring the Arsenal man away will be tough – but does Alonso arriving help them? Maybe.”
Next up is a player wanted by all the top Premier League clubs – Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.
TBR Football previously confirmed that Huijsen’s camp have already spoken to several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
The Spain international has also been heavily linked with Real Madrid and, again, Alonso’s arrival could lead to a renewed push to sign him at the expense of England’s elite.
“The other big defender in their sights is Dean Huijsen,” said Bailey. “The Spanish international is leaving Bournemouth and the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool are amongst the clubs pushing hard.
“The English clubs have been pushing for a quick deal, partly because of the fear that Real could come calling and now with Alonso on his way, could that help their quest for Huijsen?
“It certainly won’t hurt and could help them land Huijsen – it can’t be ruled out.
“Alonso is likely to want to make some changes to this squad, which has really underachieved this term under Ancelotti.”
Was Jurgen Klopp ever in Real Madrid’s plans?
Alonso has worked wonders at Bayer Leverkusen, earning himself the job of a lifetime at Real Madrid.
And according to Bailey, Alonso was always ahead of the likes of Jurgen Klopp, with Florentino Perez having his heart set on the Spaniard.
“Real Madrid have been working on Xabi Alonso for over 12 months, he was always first choice,” Bailey said.
“As we revealed previously, some at the club believed a more experienced candidate such as a Jurgen Klopp figure might be better suited to the role, but Florentino Perez had his heart set on Alonso.
“Real have been pushing Alonso to make it clear his decision, and this allows them to progress with other issues which could have implications in England.”
