Losing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer is likely to hurt Real Madrid massively.

The legendary forward may be 33 years old, but he is still at the very top of his game.

Ronaldo scored 44 times in as many games last season, meaning upon leaving the club he notched 450 times in 438 games.

His incredible goalscoring ability means he will be extremely tough to replace.

But there's no doubting that Real Madrid have the financial capabilities to buy just about whoever they want in world football.

A few names that have been touted in recent times include Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski.

All of which have proven in the past that they can score goals at will, meaning they would be viable replacements replacements for the Portuguese.

But, according to Spanish publication AS, Real Madrid have gone in another direction when it comes to buying a high profile forward.

They report that Julen Lopetegui is aware that there is no player in the market that guarantees that number of goals.

With Lopetegui frustrated in his attempt to buy a forward capable of replacing Ronaldo, the newly appointed manager now intends to build a more coral team in attack and armoured in defence.

This means that without signings to replace the Portuguese, the 51-year-old is concentrating on building his project from back to front.

That is probably not going to go down well at all with Real Madrid fans.

Replacing Ronaldo should be a necessity this season. Relying on Karim Benzema and Borja Mayoral is far from ideal for Los Blancos.

The Portuguese's goals have been crucial to Real Madrid's success in the past decade.

Without his form in front of goal, Real Madrid would never have won three consecutive Champions Leagues. In fact, they probably wouldn't have even won one.

Fans of the Spanish giants are expecting a high profile signing this season. Their last big signing came in 2014, when they signed James Rodriguez.

Of course, Lopetegui's decision could be reversed if a player he feels is capable of replacing Ronaldo becomes available.

But failing to replace the 33-year-old will be a poor start to life in Madrid for Lopetegui, and one that may draw some criticism.

Do you back Lopetegui's decision to not buy a replacement for Ronaldo? Have your say by leaving a comment below.