Real Madrid are exploring options to strengthen their midfield during the January transfer window, in case Martin Zubimendi ends up moving closer to a transfer to Atletico Madrid.
According to reports, with the Arsenal midfielder having played a secondary role this season, making just one Premier League start and accumulating 380 minutes of action, Real Madrid’s hierarchy are considering alternative options.
In this regard, two names have emerged as potential targets: Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller and Porto’s Alan Varela, both players who could fit the tactical requirements of head coach Jose Mourinho.
Stiller, 25, is one of the profiles capable of bringing quality to Real Madrid’s midfield organisation. The German midfielder primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, where he stands out for his passing distribution and ability to build attacks from midfield.
His statistics in the Bundesliga this season include seven appearances, two assists and 48 successful tackles, according to official German league data.
His contract with Stuttgart runs until June 2028, while his market value is estimated at around €45 million. This would make a potential transfer a difficult operation for Real Madrid, as the German club have little reason to rush into selling a player who still has several years remaining on his contract.
Stiller could fit into Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 formation, where he would have the opportunity to operate in a midfield double pivot alongside a more physically powerful player capable of covering spaces.
The other alternative is Alan Varela, the 25-year-old Argentine midfielder who currently plays for Porto. His natural position is defensive midfield, although he can also operate in central midfield.
Varela’s profile is characterised by his ability to recover possession, protect the defensive line and organise the team’s passing game. These qualities could prove important for the functioning of Real Madrid’s midfield partnership.
The Argentine has a contract with Porto until June 2030, while his market value is estimated at around €32 million.
However, he has not enjoyed much playing time in the Portuguese league this season. According to FotMob data, Varela has made seven appearances and played just 197 minutes, starting only two matches.
His lack of playing time is a factor that must be considered when assessing his current form and the possibility of a potential transfer.