Real Madrid are reportedly setting their sights on a summer move for Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, as the Spanish giants look to address ongoing midfield struggles that have plagued their season. According to reports from Defensa Central, the club is closely monitoring the Dutch international's situation at the Etihad, with interest that appears more concrete than in previous windows.

After an inconsistent campaign where control and creativity have often been in short supply, reinforcing the midfield has become a top priority for Los Blancos. While big names like Rodri and Enzo Fernandez have been linked in the past, along with rising talent Kees Smith, Reijnders has worked his way back to the top of the conversation—and this time, the interest feels different.

The 27-year-old joined Manchester City from AC Milan for around €60 million, but could be on the move just a year after his arrival. Real Madrid had already shown interest last summer, particularly when Xabi Alonso pushed for a natural midfielder. The club hierarchy chose to delay that plan then, but now the approach seems to be shifting.

Reijnders fits the profile Madrid are searching for: a player who can control the tempo, link play, and bring composure in tight spaces. His technical ability and intelligence on the ball make him a strong candidate to restore balance to a midfield that has lacked cohesion. One of his biggest strengths is his flexibility—he's comfortable operating in a double pivot, which could make him an ideal partner for Aurelien Tchouameni. That pairing would allow Madrid to maintain defensive solidity while adding creativity and forward movement from deeper areas.

At 27, Reijnders is entering his prime years, and that experience could be exactly what a squad looking to regain midfield control needs. Whether Manchester City are willing to part ways with a player they invested heavily in just last summer remains to be seen, but Madrid's interest is clearly heating up.