MADRID, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid has enjoyed one of Europe's busiest transfer windows with Jose Mourinho returning as head coach and several high-profile signings already secured, but the Spanish giant still faces key decisions before the market closes.
The club moved quickly to strengthen a defense that was exposed too often last season, signing center back Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer and bringing in World Cup-winning left back Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.
Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries has replaced veteran right back Dani Carvajal, whose contract expired at the end of last season, while Bernardo Silva adds creativity in midfield and attack. Brazilian striker Endrick also returns after an impressive loan spell in France with Lyon.
Spanish media reports say Madrid is close to completing a deal worth around 125 million euros for RB Leipzig and Cote d'Ivoire winger Yan Diomande, while rumors linking the club Manchester City's Rodri refuse to go away.
Any further arrivals are likely to trigger departures as Mourinho trims an increasingly crowded squad.
The additions of Silva and the expected arrival of Diomande, combined with Endrick's return, have left Madrid well stocked in attacking positions. Young forward Gonzalo Garcia appears the most likely casualty despite impressing last season.
Garcia is reportedly close to joining Fulham, where he could reunite with former Real Madrid youth coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The Premier League side has also been linked with Madrid's 18-year-old winger Franco Mastantuono, although the Argentine is more likely to leave on loan after an underwhelming first season in Spain.
Brazil forward Rodrygo was also the subject of transfer speculation earlier this year, but a knee ligament injury is expected to rule out any move until at least the January transfer window.
The future of Morocco international Brahim Diaz remains uncertain. The midfielder is attracting interest elsewhere and could be sold if Madrid cannot offer him regular first-team football.
Rodri's possible arrival would also create fierce competition in midfield, with Eduardo Camavinga emerging as the player most likely to leave. The France international endured a disappointing campaign, missed out on his country's World Cup squad and continues to attract interest from Premier League clubs.
Perhaps the biggest issue facing Madrid, however, is Vinicius Junior.
The Brazil international's contract expires in June 2027, meaning he could leave on a free transfer a year from now if no extension is agreed. Madrid is keen to tie the winger to a new long-term deal, but reports suggest the club would consider selling him rather than risk losing one of its biggest stars for nothing.
Premier League champion Arsenal has been linked with a move that could break the British transfer record, making Vinicius' contract negotiations one of the biggest storylines still to unfold before the transfer window closes. ■
