The Spanish giants boast one of football's most dynamic forward lines, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo leading the charge.

Yet, new manager Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff have identified a gap for a classic No.9, a role previously filled with success by Joselu, who scored 17 goals in a single season at the age of 33 before departing, as reported by Spanish outlet AS.

"They want a low-cost, veteran striker who can dominate in the air and deliver headers," AS noted, highlighting the club's desire for a proven, economical option to complement their star-studded squad.

Among the names linked are Osasuna's Ante Budimir, Firmino, and Willian Jose, all aged 33 and fitting the desired profile.

Budimir, who netted an impressive 21 La Liga goals in the 2024-25 season, has caught Alonso's attention, with his release clause reportedly set at just 8 million euros for Spanish clubs. "Budimir's efforts have earned him admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu," said Croatian journalist Drazen Antolic, noting his aerial prowess and goal-scoring consistency.

Firmino, however, steals the spotlight as the most intriguing option. The Brazilian, who scored 111 goals and provided 76 assists in 362 appearances for Liverpool, has been a standout at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, contributing 12 goals and 10 assists in the 2024-25 season.

His contract situation remains uncertain, with reports suggesting he is "actively looking" to return to Brazil, though a move to Real Madrid could reunite him with former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, now at the Bernabeu.

"Firmino could effectively support Mbappe in attack for a season," AS reported, emphasizing his potential as a key substitute to allow younger forwards time to develop. Another option, Willian Jose, currently playing in Brazil, is also under consideration, but his profile is less prominent.

Closer to home, Real Madrid's academy offers a potential internal solution. Gonzalo Garcia, a 21-year-old forward, scored 25 goals for Real Madrid Castilla in the 2024-25 season, though his "multifunctional" style may not perfectly align with the traditional No.9 role Alonso seeks.

"Gonzalo Garcia has particularly impressed," said a report in The Mirror, but limited first-team opportunities could see him seek a move elsewhere, potentially generating a significant transfer fee.

As Real Madrid prepare for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Alonso's pursuit of a battle-hardened forward signals their ambition to dominate on all fronts.

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