Dreams were shattered in North London on Monday when Karim Benzema tweeted himself wearing a Real Madrid shirt. The Frenchman was linked with a transfer to Arsenal, but made it abundantly clear his future remains in the Spanish capital.
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It shouldn't, however, be his long-term future. There are three up-and-coming strikers capable of replacing him in 2016.
Alvaro Morata
Madridistas are familiar with Alvaro Morata, who suffered a mediocre campaign with Madrid in 2013. The 22-year-old finished that season with eight goals and behind Jese Rodriguez in Carlo Ancelotti's rotation.
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Fast forward one year.
Morata punished his former club, scoring the goal that saw Juventus advance to the Champions League final. The €35 million price tag will be a hefty one for Madrid, but worth consideration given his maturation as a pure striker in Turin.
Paulo Dybala
If Morata refuses a return, Real can always consider his teammate. Paulo Dybala surged onto the scene with Palermo in 2014-15. The 21-year-old finished his Serie A campaign with 13 goals and 10 assists, forcing a transfer to Juventus this summer.
Expectations are high for Dybala, especially following the comments from his former president Maurizio Zamparini.
"I have never had a player as good as Dybala [at Palermo]," Zamparini said, per Goal. "My prediction is that if he continues to progress, then in the next two or three years he can become the new [Lionel] Messi. Dybala has the potential to be a top player and it should surprise no one if his value rises to €100 million soon enough."
Harry Kane
Last on Madrid's list should be Tottenham's Harry Kane.
Admittedly, the 22-year-old is suffering through a disappointing spell—failing to score in his first three league appearances this season—but showed immense potential in 2014-15. Unlike Morata and Dybala, Kane's main priority is ensuring last season was no fluke.
A consistent season is imperative if he hopes to join the Galactico rumor mill in 2016.
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