Should Madrid Forget Mbappe And Turn His Attention To Haaland?

Erling Haaland (Twitter @erlinghaaland)

JAKARTA - There is a lot of evidence that shows Real Madrid is really experiencing an attacking crisis. If Karim Benzema doesn't score, as he hasn't done recently, then Los Blancos cannot pose a threat to the opponent. The defeat to Levante in Week 24, Saturday, February 22 is proof.

The goal drought has been a constant problem since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in the summer of 2018. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is looking to bring the next superstar striker to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and all roads have pointed towards Kylian Mbappe.

However, this is not an easy purchase. Mbappe has signed a contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2022 and the French club are not looking to sell him any time soon.

The 21-year-old striker's tag is another obstacle and any move for him will almost certainly have to break or at least come close to the cost of Neymar's world record.

There are other options that have emerged across the border in Germany. Erling Haaland exploded onto the European scene this season, scoring 40 goals for RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund. The 19-year-old's outstanding form saw him attract many clubs in January, and Dortmund managed to persuade him to land at Signal Iduna Park.

Haaland's impact has been felt in the Champions League for both clubs he has played for this season. The most recent was against Mbappe's PSG in the last 16. Haaland fits the policies of Real Madrid's youth players who make them bring players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Luka Jovic.

In addition, he is Norwegian and would be well suited to play alongside compatriot Martin Odegaard who is currently on loan at Real Sociedad.

🗯 # Favre: "@ErlingHaaland macht das super. Er hat eine starke Mentalität und schaut immer nach vorne. Er will immer gewinnen." #SVWBVB pic.twitter.com/OSptcEgBXW

- Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) February 20, 2020

Signing Haaland would also be a much cheaper option. His € 75 million release clause - which will be active in 2021 - was included in his contract upon joining Dortmund. However, the German club could decide to sell it this summer if there is a higher bid.

Now, it's up to Real Madrid and Florentino Perez. Do they want to wait until nearing 2022 to sign Mbappe, or do they want to go faster with Haaland?