Real Madrid have been urged to spend big on Arsenal’s William Saliba as their next long-term central defender.
The Spanish champions are already in discussions to bolster their defensive options in the January transfer window with both Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal set to miss the rest of the season due to injury.
Former Manchester City centre-back, Aymeric Laporte, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, has been linked with a move to Madrid and has made it clear that he is keen to return to Europe.
However, former Athletic Bilbao sporting director, Rafael Alkorta, has urged Madrid to wait until next summer before pushing for a move for Saliba, who has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League at Arsenal.
‘I wouldn’t sign in January, I would wait and consider Aymeric Laporte as an option,’ Alkorta told Cadena SER.
‘Maybe you have to spend €80 million (£66.5m) on a guy like Saliba who will give you 10 more years of service. Real Madrid rarely make mistakes in that regard.’
When asked about Madrid’s reported interest, Laporte said this week: ‘I’m not very aware of it. I’ve only read the same thing as you, so there’s no problem.
Obviously, teams like Real Madrid are not looked down upon.’
Madrid, meanwhile, have made Trent Alexander-Arnold one of their priority targets for next summer.
The England international is set to be available as a free agent when his contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season.
However, it’s understood that while Madrid will make an attempt to sign Alexander-Arnold in January, the Liverpool right-back wants to see out the season at Anfield.