Real Madrid Plot Summer Overhaul with Lewis-Skelly Push and Smit Deal Agreed

Real Madrid are gearing up for a significant summer spending spree as another underwhelming season at the Bernabéu threatens to derail the club's usual standards of excellence.

The Spanish outfit have already begun laying the groundwork for their summer business, having reportedly struck a deal with Feyenoord's Kees Smit to become their first arrival. The midfielder, valued at around €30 million, has caught the attention of several European heavyweights, including Liverpool, but Madrid appear to have moved quickly to secure his services ahead of the competition.

Smit's versatility—capable of operating as either a defensive or attacking midfielder—appeals to the club's hierarchy as they seek to strengthen their engine room. The 22-year-old represents the sort of young, hungry talent Madrid believe can grow into a key player without requiring a blockbuster financial commitment.

But the Bernabéu's ambitions don't end there. Florentino Perez is casting his net wider, with Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly now firmly on the radar as a priority target. The English defender, valued at £52 million, had a breakthrough campaign last season but has found opportunities harder to come by this term under Mikel Arteta, accumulating just 1,207 minutes of football alongside four assists.

Real Madrid believe they can tempt the 20-year-old away by offering him a central role in their rebuilding project—something the Gunners cannot currently guarantee. The club intends to lodge a formal offer once the transfer window opens, confident that Lewis-Skelly's frustration at his lack of progress will work in their favour.

The timing of Madrid's recruitment drive reflects the turbulent state of affairs at the club. After enduring a trophyless campaign last season that cost Carlo Ancelotti his job, the situation has scarcely improved under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Currently sitting second in La Liga, Madrid have already been eliminated from both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, with only a Champions League play-off spot to show for their efforts this term.

The departure of Xabi Alonso at the turn of the year and his replacement with Arbeloa signalled a fresh start, but the results on the pitch suggest the rebuild will require significant investment in the coming months.