6 names on Real Madrid shortlist alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold for January transfer | OneFootball

Real Madrid need a right-back, and will sign one, the question is when and how many. After Lucas Vazquez suffered once more against Barcelona on Sunday night, it has reignited the debate within the club over whether to move for a defender in the January market.

The primary option if they were to do so would be to make a fresh offer for Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Liverpool have shown themselves reluctant to let the England international go in this transfer window.

Within the club, the coaching staff have been adamant that another option is necessary, and there are growing voices within the club that agree with them. However the hierarchy, let by President Florentino Perez were at least originally of the mind to stick it out until the end of the season when Alexander-Arnold will arrive in the summer for free. If they do sign, it will be a player to tie them over until his arrival, as they do not want to take long-term issues by signing another starter alongside Dani Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold.

That means that Real Madrid are open to a loan move, with Reece James of Chelsea mentioned by Diario AS. Former academy right-back Alex Jimenenz, currently at AC Milan after a permanent move was completed last summer is another option, but they would need to negotiate. Los Blancos also have a buyback option on Jimenez.

The likes of Pedro Porro, Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong are well-liked, but all considered too expensive. Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu is another they have looked at, but remains several levels down their big-board of targets. In terms of La Liga options, Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez would be available for €10-15m, amid interest from RB Leipzig. Real Sociedad’s Jon Aramburu is another they like, but he would likely be more expensive, and thus more unlikely.

Two more veteran and surprising names on the table are Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, and free agent Serge Aurier. The 28-year-old has a high salary, and has been in and out of action with a knee injury, but his ability to play both right-back and centre-back is attractive to Real Madrid. Aurier, 32, would also have to satisfy physical questions, after spending the last six months without playing after leaving Galatasaray. He would be the most economic option.

The other options at Ancelotti’s disposal are Fede Valverde or Castilla right-back Lorenzo Aguado. The Italian manager has shown himself reluctant to use academy players so far, and with Los Blancos’ midfield not functioning as it is, removing Valverde is hardly an ideal choice.