Los Blancos want to sign another midfielder as Lucas Silva will leave on loan and Illarra is not ready to play relevant minutes.
Real Madrid seemed ready to begin the season with just three good midfielders in Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro. Benitez thinks Illarramendi isn't ready to step his game up and that's why Los Blancos are now considering their options to improve their squad with Sporting Portugal's William Carvalho, according to AS.
Carvalho is a pure defensive midfielder, one that would help the defenders and unleash Kroos and Modric. However, Sporting reportedly want to get at least €45 million for Carvalho, one of the most coveted midfielders in European football. Other clubs like Manchester United or Arsenal were interested in his signing until Sporting set that price to let Carvalho go.
It would be risky for Madrid to face the demanding season ahead with three midfielders and Illarramendi. One injury to Modric or Kroos would be devastating as Casemiro is also a very young player and Illarra has proven several times that he's not mature enough to feature in important games.