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The defense has the floor. After strengthening its offensive sector last summer with the arrivals of Kylian Mbappé (26 years old) and Endrick (18 years old), Real Madrid launched a major project behind it. This winter, the priority is to get your hands on a right back. Rather reluctant to recruit in January, Casa Blanca could well shake up its habits after the serious injury of Dani Carvajal. She currently relies on Lucas Vazquez, who was repositioned in this position a few seasons ago. Except that the Spaniard's limits were quickly reached. In addition to the club's young players, Fede Valverde can also help out, just like Ferland Mendy, who can play on the right or on the left. But these are backup solutions. The Merengues would ideally like to welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold (24 years old) this winter. If the Englishman has already said yes to the Spaniards for next summer, it seems difficult to see Liverpool letting go of him in the middle of the season.
But the transfer window can have surprises in store for us. Regarding the left-back position, the versatile Alphonso Davies (24 years old) is the priority for next summer. If Marca announces this Thursday that an agreement is close for the Canadian, the German press has assured in recent days that the trend was rather towards an extension of its lease, which will officially end on June 30. The series could therefore last a few more weeks. Regardless, Real Madrid have identified their two priorities for these two positions for a very long time. But the residents of the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium also want to bring new blood into the central axis. Many imagined that Florentino Pérez would break the bank last summer after Nacho left for Saudi Arabia. But the president of Real Madrid preferred not to recruit. However, Carlo Ancelotti wanted it according to the Iberian press.
The sketch of Madrid's dream recruit
Since last year, the Mister has regularly had to tinker in this position. This season, he notably lost Éder Militão (26 years old), who suffers from a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament with damage to both menisci of his right leg. He had to cope for a long time without David Alaba, who had been injured for a while. If the Austrian is on his way back, his condition raises questions. In addition, the Iberian club wants to prepare for the future. Alaba is 32 years old. Antonio Rüdiger, holder, is 31 years old. Even if they still have a few years ahead of them, the Merengues would like to anticipate and attract a specialist in the position into their nets. Especially since they sometimes call on Aurélien Tchouameni, who is not always comfortable in this position. The young Raul Asensio (21 years old) showed interesting things when called upon. Despite this, Real Madrid are exploring the defender market. The idea would be to recruit a player in 2025 or 2026 at the latest.
A few days ago, Relevo has also drawn up a composite portrait of the ideal recruit desired by the people of Madrid. So, the plan is to get our hands on a new Éder Militão, i.e. “a fast and dynamic young defender, capable of easily winning duels and who knows how to defend in the open field.” Additionally, if this player is left-handed or capable of playing on both sides of the central hinge, that would be a big plus. Last summer, the Madrilenians had already tried to recruit a promising youngster with Leny Yoro (18 years old). But the defender preferred to go to Manchester United. This year, or next year at the latest, the Spanish and European champions want to strengthen themselves in this position. For several months, the Spanish press has however mentioned an interest in Aymeric Laporte (30 years old), for whom Al-Nassr is demanding transfer compensation.
William Saliba followed but…
If Ancelotti was obviously for his arrival, his managers do not want to deviate from their guideline and continue to prospect to recruit a player who fits their desires and needs. The name of Castello Lukeba (22, RB Leipzig), who is currently injured, was mentioned by Relevo. The Iberian media also mentioned those of Micky van de Ven (23 years old, Tottenham) and Josko Gvardiol (22 years old), who was already followed before his signing for Manchester City. But it will be necessary to align the euros to bring down the Spurs or the Citizens. Still in the Premier League, the profile of William Saliba (23 years old) also pleases. Information revealed by Sport at the beginning of January and that we are able to confirm. The Merengues really appreciate Frenchy, boss of the Arsenal defense. A club with which he has participated in 30 matches in all competitions this season. Time to score 2 goals. Indispensable in the eyes of Mikel Arteta, the former ASSE and OM player was therefore closely observed by Spanish recruiters, who took the temperature from those around him.
His profile ticks all the boxes in the eyes of Casa Blanca, which is following him for next summer. At that time, he will only have two years left on his contract with the Gunners, with whom he is linked until 2027. But a small important clarification, he does not currently have an option to extend beyond beyond this date. Which could expose Arsenal, if they do not extend in the meantime. It is also a loophole for Madrid to exploit. But for the moment, the Iberian club is taking its time and has not advanced all its pawns on the file at the moment. For its part, the English team has other fish to fry and is counting on its player, whose market value is estimated at €80 million by the specialist site transfermarkt. William Saliba, for his part, is focused on his season and does not want to pollute his mind with his future. But in Madrid, where several of his compatriots are present, his name is on the shelves of Florentino Pérez and his teams.
