Arsenal readying bid for World Cup winning stopper
After finding himself shifting rapidly down the pecking order at Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol looks set to leave the club in 2012, with Arsenal likely suitors.
The Spaniard has made only nine appearances in all competitions this season, five of which have been from the bench.
As a result, he is thought to be keen on a move away from the Spanish giants in order to revive his career which has taken a swift turn for the worse since the end of last season.
Los Blancos manager, Jose Mourinho, stated in December that he was keen for nobody to leave his side in January but it’s probably safe to say he was referring to some of his higher caliber players and not Albiol and fellow fringe player, Esteban Granero, who is also expected to be on the move soon.
Arsenal are being linked with moves for numerous high profile attackers in the January transfer window, but one could argue that their defence is the real area coming up short, despite the signings of Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos and Carl Jenkinson.
The Gunners have also been hit with the news that injury prone defender Thomas Vermaelen will be out until mid-January and could need reinforcements in case of further absences.
Albiol may not be first on the team sheet at Real Madrid, but the 24 year-old has shown in the past that he is a competent centre-back, and could be a valuable asset if he were able to recreate the form that saw him make his way into Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad.
The defender, has found playing time hard to come by with Madrid and despite moving to the club for a reported £12m, could be available to leave for as little as half that.
