Lopetegui wants a new striker at Real

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui is keen on signing a striker before the transfer window closes on August 31, according to Marca.

The Spanish giants haven’t been as commanding in the transfer market this summer as they usually are, and despite parting ways with players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Mateo Kovačić, the only big-name signing they’ve made this summer has been the acquisition of Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea. Meanwhile, Marca believe that was only possible because the Belgian goalkeeper agitated for a move with less than 12 months remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge.

Lopetegui would, however, be happy to accept a signing of a lower profile – as long as it is an option in attack rather than anything else. Indeed, if the club were to make only one more signing this month it would be a centre-forward, if the former Spain coach would have his way. Players like Rodrigo Moreno and Mariano would suit him just fine.

However, it seems he faces an uphill task of convincing his superiors of that particular need, as president Florentino Perez is adamant Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema are quite capable of providing the required number of goals in the absence of Ronaldo.