Real Madrid spent big money on Aurelien Tchouameni over the summer, with the France international arriving at Bernabeu from Monaco for a fee in the region of £85m.
Los Blancos could make another high-profile midfield signing during next summer's transfer window, though, with Casemiro leaving the club last month.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are also both out of contract next June, and it would certainly not be a shock if one of them departed ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
As a result, Real Madrid are believed to be prepared to set aside some serious money next summer in order to bring another midfielder to the club.
Here, Sports Mole identifies three players that the reigning Spanish and European champions could target to boost their squad for next season.
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
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Borussia Dortmund kept hold of Jude Bellingham during the recent transfer window, but the Bundesliga giants are expected to lose the England international ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
The 19-year-old has made a strong start to this season, scoring twice in seven appearances, while he has now managed 12 goals and 19 assists in 97 outings for BVB in total.
A host of Europe's biggest clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City, are believed to be interested in signing him next summer.
However, Real Madrid are also said to be huge admirers, and it would be some statement if the club managed to bring him to Bernabeu.
Dortmund are in a strong position when it comes to the teenager's future, with his deal due to run until June 2025, so it would not be a shock to see the Bundesliga outfit demand in the region of £100m for his services.
Declan Rice (West Ham United)
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West Ham never entertained the idea of selling Declan Rice during the summer market, but a move next year is a realistic possibility for the 23-year-old.
Rice has a contract at London Stadium until June 2024, with the option of an additional 12 months, but he has ambitions of winning leagues and European Cups, which will be very tough with the Hammers.
Chelsea and Man United could both have a serious look at the Englishman next year, but Real Madrid might also consider him if they are unable to win the race for Bellingham.
Rice has proved himself to be one of the outstanding midfielders in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons, while he has also starred for England on the biggest of occasions.
Whether a move to Spain appeals to the midfielder remains to be seen, but he would surely find it very difficult to turn down the chance to move to Los Blancos if given the opportunity.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)
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Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was again linked with a move away from Lazio over the summer, with Man United said to have considered signing him, but the window ended with the midfielder still in Italy.
The 27-year-old only has two years left to run on his current deal, which would put the White and Sky Blues in a difficult position if he does not agree a deal by the time that next June rolls around.
Milinkovic-Savic has scored 58 goals and registered 55 assists in 299 appearances for his Italian side, which are certainly impressive numbers for a midfielder.
It would be fair to say that he would be cheaper than both Bellingham and Rice, but it remains to be seen whether he fits into the plans of Real Madrid and indeed head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
There would also be little resale value on the Serbia international, but he has again proved his class at the start of this campaign, contributing three assists in five Serie A appearances.
