Real Madrid identify key area needing strengthening in the January transfer window: Reports
Real Madrid want to sign a new right-back in January, according to journalist Jose Felix Diaz. Los Blancos are reluctant to head into the second half of the season with Lucas Vazquez as the only option for the position.
The LaLiga giants are currently without Dani Carvajal, who ruptured his ACL at the start of October. The Spaniard has been an integral part of Real Madrid's recent success and finished fourth in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings.
The 32-year-old, unfortunately, has now been ruled out for the rest of the campaign. While Los Blancos have an available deputy in the form of Vazquez, they are unwilling to risk relying on his fitness and form for the rest of the season.
Recent reports have already suggested that the LaLiga giants have their eyes on Trent Alexander-Arnold as Carvajal's long-term replacement. The Englishman has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool and is yet to sign a new deal.
Real Madrid would ideally like to sign the 26-year-old for free at the end of the year, although the Reds remain determined to tie him down to an extension. However, Carvajal's injury could accelerate their plans.
Recent reports have suggested that Los Blancos have already informed the Merseyside club of their intentions. However, a move in January may be tough to materialize. Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro has been named as an alternative to the Englishman.
How many games has Lucas Vazquez played for Real Madrid?
Lucas Vazquez rose through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu before earning his first team bow in 2015. He has been vital for Real Madrid over the years and remains a key part of Carlo Ancelotti's first-team squad right now.
The Spaniard is capable enough to operate at right-back as well as a right-winger. Vazquez has registered 38 goals and 66 assists from 364 games across all competitions for Los Blancos to date.
This season, the 33-year-old has managed two goals and one assist from 15 games in all competitions. Vazquez picked up an Adductor injury earlier this month and was initially expected to be sidelined for a month.
However, he ended up missing just one game, the LaLiga tie against Leganes last weekend. The veteran defender returned to action from the bench against Liverpool, playing 33 minutes. He could be in the starting XI for Real Madrid's league game against Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, December 1.