Real Madrid were asked to spend big on ArsenalIt is William Saliba as their next long-term central defender.

The Spanish champions are already in discussions to strengthen their defensive options during the January transfer window. Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are expected to miss the remainder of the season due to injury..

Ancient Manchester City Central defender Aymeric Laporte, who currently plays for Saudi side Al-Nassr, has been linked with a move to Madrid and has made it clear he wants to return to Europe.

However, former Athletic Bilbao sporting director Rafael Alkorta has urged Madrid to wait until next summer before pushing for Saliba, who has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs at Arsenal.

“I wouldn’t sign in January, I would wait and consider Aymeric Laporte as an option,” Alkorta told Cadena SER.

“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 expected to be available as a free agent when his contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season.

However, it is understood that although Madrid will attempt to sign Alexander-Arnold in January, Liverpool right-back wants to finish season at Anfield.

For more stories like this, check out our sports page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter And Instagram.

MORE : Manchester United’s £42m summer signing explains club’s slow start

MORE : Emmanuel Petit challenges Arsenal “without courage” to recruit Paul Pogba

MORE : Marcus Rashford called a bad example at Manchester United by former Premier League star

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy And Terms of Use apply.