Real Madrid already making plans for life without Karim Benzema

Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Dusan Vlahovic and Richarlison as they target a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema, according to ESPN.

As Benzema approaches the end of what has undeniably been an illustrious career, Los Blancos are already planning for his inevitable departure.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have already acquired the services of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, but the Palmeiras man will only move to Santiago Bernabeu in 2024 by when he will only be 18 years old.

As a result, Madrid are weighing up moves for Vlahovic and Richarlison in the upcoming transfer window.

Vlahovic has endured a relatively underwhelming campaign at Juventus due to injury problems which have seen him miss nine of his side’s 22 league games this term, but he has still managed to score eight times.

The Serbian could be up for sale next summer as Juventus face an uphill task to qualify for European competitions after the Serie A giants were hit with a 15-point deduction earlier in the season.

Richarlison, meanwhile, has failed to impress since moving to Tottenham Hotspur last summer from Everton. He is yet to score a league goal for Antonio Conte’s men and has only found the back of the net twice in 19 games.

Richarlison previously worked with Ancelotti during their time together at Goodison Park and a reunion could now be on the cards, although a summer exit from North London for the 25-year-old looks highly unlikely.

Should Madrid choose to spend big on a new striker, a deal for the in-demand Victor Osimhen could prove to be their best bet as the Nigerian continues to deliver the goods for Napoli.

With Madrid all but set to relinquish their Spanish crown to Barcelona having fallen 11 points behind in the title race, the La Liga giants are expected to be fairly active in the next transfer market.

For now, though, they will be targeting success in the Champions League and Copa del Rey to add to their triumph in the recently-concluded FIFA Club World Cup.