Real Madrid have reportedly considered a move for Arsenal’s David Raya this summer as part of their major rebuild. The imminent arrival of Xabi Alonso at the Santiago Bernabeu is expected to spark Los Blancos into life in the transfer window, with acquisitions eyed in all departments.
With the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold all but confirmed, the Spanish outfit are turning their attention to other signings across the backline. William Saliba has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid as a result, with reports claiming that talks are ongoing over a potential deal.
The France international is now in contract talks with Arsenal over a new and improved extension, but Madrid will be hoping that the prospect of being a key figure in their project could turn the 24-year-old’s head.
Saliba isn’t the only member of Mikel Arteta’s squad that the La Liga giants have set their sights on either. According to The Sun, Madrid are keen to bolster their goalkeeping ranks and have shortlisted Raya as a target.
Thibaut Courtois is set to remain as the club’s No. 1 in the short-term, but they hope to bring in a successor who is willing to bide their time before replacing him further down the line. As such, Andriy Lunin – who has played second fiddle to Courtois for the past five years – could be sold to pave the way for a replacement.
With Raya playing regularly for Arsenal, it could prove a tough task to persuade the Spain international to drop into a reserve position and Madrid are aware of how the deal could be ‘difficult to pull off’.
Los Blancos have therefore shortlisted Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen as an alternative option and they hope to convince the Netherlands international to head to Spain. They are set to ask the 22-year-old if he ‘fancies the move’ and the Seagulls have already been made aware of the interest.
Brighton hope that Verbruggen will make a decision on his future so that they can proceed with plans to bring in a replacement, with Burnley’s James Trafford and Liverpool’s wantaway star Caoimhin Kelleher among those on their shortlist. Similarly to Raya though, it remains to be seen whether the shot-stopper would be willing to step down into a bit-part role.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk