Real Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of completing a triple swoop for three Premier League players this summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is a leading target for Los Blancos, with the England international's contract at Liverpool due to expire at the end of June, and he continues to be heavily linked with a move to Bernabeu.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are pressing ahead in their attempts to sign the Liverpool defender, who is viewed by senior figures at Bernabeu as their leading target for the right-back spot.
Federico Valverde has recently been used as a right-back due to Lucas Vazquez's fitness issues, while the first-choice right-sided defender at the club, Dani Carvajal, is on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
Arsenal's William Saliba has also been linked with a switch to Los Blancos, with the Frenchman developing into one of the leading centre-backs in world football over the last couple of seasons.
Central defence is another area in need of a new signing at Bernabeu, with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba approaching the latter stages of their careers, while Eder Militao has suffered two severe knee injuries in relatively quick succession.
Real Madrid 'eyeing Alexander-Arnold, Saliba, Wharton'
Saliba has again been in excellent form for Arsenal this season, making 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice, and he has a contract at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2027.
Arsenal, for obvious reasons, will be reluctant to sell arguably their most important player, but Real Madrid are a difficult club to ignore, especially if Los Blancos make him their number one priority in the middle of their defence.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, meanwhile, has also allegedly emerged as a surprise target for the capital giants.
Luka Modric could leave on a free transfer this summer, while there is currently speculation surrounding the futures of both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Jude Bellingham and Valverde are untouchable, while Dani Ceballos has become an important player for head coach Carlo Ancelotti, but it is believed that Camavinga and Tchouameni are both available at the right price.
How much would a triple swoop cost?
Alexander-Arnold, unless he signs a new contract, is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, but he would command a substantial signing-on fee, so it would still be a major deal from that point of view.
Arsenal have every right to value Saliba upwards of £80m, meanwhile, considering his age, 23, and his potential to improve further.
Wharton's valuation is an interesting one, especially as it has been a frustrating campaign for the Englishman due to a groin injury which required an operation.
The 21-year-old has recently returned to action, featuring in Palace's last four Premier League matches, and he starred against Aston Villa last time out in his first start since the end of October.
Real Madrid are likely to have to present an offer of at least £50m for Wharton, but Chelsea and Manchester United are also believed to be interested in his signature. body check tags ::
