Real Madrid are preparing to bring a new centre-back to the club during this summer's transfer window.

Raul Asencio has had a breakthrough campaign at Bernabeu and will soon pen a new contract, but Los Blancos want to bring in a young central defender ahead of the 2025-26 season.

David Alaba, 32, and Antonio Rudiger, 32, are both approaching the latter stages of their careers, while there is concern when it comes to the long-term fitness of Eder Militao, who has suffered two severe knee injuries in relatively quick succession.

Here, Sports Mole looks at five potential options for Carlo Ancelotti's side this summer.

Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)

Rumoured price: £50m

Huijsen's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the 19-year-old in outstanding form for Bournemouth during the 2024-25 campaign following his arrival from Juventus during last summer's transfer window.

The Cherries, for obvious reasons, will be desperate to keep hold of the teenager, but there is a £50m release clause in his contract, which is expected to be activated at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Huijsen is in the Spain squad for their UEFA Nations League double-header against the Netherlands, and it is understood that he is now Real Madrid's leading centre-back target for the summer transfer window, with Arsenal's William Saliba proving to be too expensive.

At 6ft 6in, the youngster is a dominant figure in the middle of the Bournemouth defence, but he is also exceptional on the ball, and Juventus will be wondering how they let him get away last summer for a fee in the region of £12.5m.

William Saliba (Arsenal)

Rumoured price: £80m

As mentioned above, Huijsen is said to be viewed as an alternative to Saliba, as Real Madrid are unlikely to be willing to meet Arsenal's asking price for Saliba, who is one of the leading centre-backs in world football.

At 23, Saliba certainly fits the brief for Real Madrid, with the France international again in excellent form this season, but offers of under £80m are unlikely to even be considered by the Gunners.

In an ideal world, it is thought that Los Blancos would bring in Saliba to boost their defence, and the former Saint-Etienne youngster would surely be open to discussing a move to the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid have other priorities during the summer market, though, meaning that a move for the Premier League star is unlikely unless Arsenal are willing to bring their asking price down to around £60m, which is impossible to imagine at this stage.

Yarek Gasiorowski (Valencia)

Rumoured price: £17m

Gasiorowski is viewed as one of the most talented young defenders in La Liga, with the 20-year-old making 18 appearances for Valencia during the 2024-25 campaign, with 14 of those outings coming in Spain's top flight.

The centre-back's contract at Mestalla had been due to expire this summer, but it was announced at the end of last month that he had penned a fresh deal until June 2027.

There remains speculation surrounding the Spaniard's future, though, as Barcelona are also believed to be admirers alongside Real Madrid, with the pair potentially going head-to-head for his signature.

It is understood that a deal could be done for a fee in the region of £17m, making him a bargain in the current market, and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is said to be keen to explore a move.

Gasiorowski has been with Valencia since 2012, progressing through the various age groups before debuting for the senior side in 2023, and he has represented Los Che on 34 occasions in all competitions.

Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)

Rumoured price: £60m

There is again speculation surrounding Branthwaite's future at Everton, with Manchester United still said to be keen on the Englishman, while there have been suggestions of interest from Real Madrid.

Los Blancos head coach Ancelotti handed Branthwaite his Everton debut back in 2020, and it is understood that the Italian is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old.

The left-footed centre-back has made 25 appearances for the Toffees this season, while he is contracted to the Merseyside club until June 2027, with the option of a further 12 months.

Everton are in a strong position when it comes to keeping hold of the defender, but it is understood that an offer in the region of £60m would be seriously considered, and it is tough to imagine Real Madrid failing if they do indeed set their sights on him in the upcoming market.

Jorrel Hato (Ajax)

Rumoured price: £25m

Hato is viewed as one of the best young talents in European football, and he has had a standout 2024-25 campaign for Ajax, featuring on 42 occasions in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering six assists in the process.

The 19-year-old only signed a new contract with Ajax in March 2024, which runs until June 2028, but the Amsterdam giants are seemingly bracing themselves for summer bids for the defender.

Hato has featured as a left-back for Ajax this term, but he is also capable of operating in the middle, and it has been suggested that he could eventually move into a centre-back role once he has gained more experience.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all believed to be keen on the teenager, but Real Madrid are said to be firmly in the running, with Los Blancos potentially making a move during this summer's transfer window.

A release clause in his contract has not been confirmed, but it is thought that Ajax value him in the region of £25m.