Ancelotti wants Real Madrid to sign a proven centre-back, two options on the table – report

Real Madrid were dealt a blow in the transfer market earlier this month when their priority target, Leny Yoro, opted to sign for Manchester United.

Having missed out on the Frenchman, the Merengues are looking for reinforcements in defence, especially with Nacho Fernandez and Rafa Marin also departing the club.

Ancelotti wants a proven player

As such, SPORT now reports that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is seeking a top, proven centre-back option whereas the club are hoping to bring in someone cost-effective.

The Italian tactician wants a top-notch player to reinforce the defensive line or not bring anyone in at all and count on the existing options.

As far as possible reinforcements are concerned, two names are understood to have emerged as options – Aymeric Laporte of Al Nassr and Arsenal’s William Saliba.

Laporte left Manchester City for Saudi Arabia last year where he has a huge salary but a call from Los Blancos could convince him to come back to Europe.

The 30-year-old enjoyed a solid run with the Spanish national team at the UEFA Euro 2024 and aims to be a part of the La Roja setup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well, and as such a return to Europe could be appealing.

Saliba, meanwhile, has been one of the best players in his position over the past year and proved himself at the Euros this summer. However, a major issue is that his market value stands at €80 million and Arsenal will be reluctant to sell.

So, it remains to be seen how Ancelotti & co. decide to go about their predicament in the centre-back position and whether the Real Madrid boss gets his desired signing or makes do with what he has.