Real Madrid sold Ronaldo to Juventus in July and, since then, have endured a torrid start to the new La Liga season under manager Julen Lopetegui.
Goals, it seems, are Los Blancos’ biggest problem. At one end, they are shipping them. At the other, they are unable to get them.
Real Madrid were bound to struggle when Ronaldo left, but nobody foresaw these problems. Winless in five, and with just one strike to their name, Lopetegui is under pressure.
And Spanish journalist Manolo Lama has told the Tiempo De Juego show that Ibrahimovic is wanted to provide some much-needed firepower.
He said: “Madrid wants a forward and is studying the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the winter market.”
A transfer could make sense.
Ibrahimovic joined LA Galaxy in March written off as being past his best after injuries scuppered his second season at Manchester United.
The 37-year-old looks anything but down and out, though.
Ibrahimovic has been in sensational form over at the Staples Center, bagging 22 goals from 26 appearances.
And with Real missing Ronaldo, he could be the ideal short-term solution.
Ibrahimovic would not be against a move to Madrid, despite previously turning out for Barcelona.
The Sweden icon spent a year at the Nou Camp but left after clashing with Pep Guardiola.
And his agent Mino Raiola has previously stated that Ibrahimovic initially wanted to join Real upon leaving Barcelona in 2010.
“Zlatan wanted to play for Real [Madrid] when he left Barcelona,” he said.
“It would have been the ideal move; the perfect revenge against Guardiola.
“As a person, Guardiola’s behaviour was terrible, shocking.
“He’s a great coach. [He called Zlatan] about 10 times [in the year he was at Barcelona].
“He told him whatever he needed or wanted, he would be helped with.
“Then all of a sudden, he stopped talking to him.”