A Los Blancos Raid: The Premier League defenders that Real Madrid have identified as potential Dani Carvajal replacements

While Real Madrid might be dreaming of the chance to shatter more records this season, Los Blancos were dealt a major blow last weekend.

Sustaining what was a horror long-term knee injury during Madrid’s 2-0 win against Villarreal on Saturday evening, Dani Carvajal is not expected to feature over the remainder of the season.

Although the summer transfer window might have only recently slammed shut, it has been suggested that the Bernebue hierarchy are making plans behind the scenes in an attempt to fill the 32-year-old’s void.

With the 51-cap international already undergoing a successful surgery, it has been speculated over the past few days that the reigning European champions have identified a trio of Premier League right-backs.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool

While many around Anfield were left heartbroken back in May as Jurgen Klopp officially bid farewell to the red half of Merseyside, Liverpool have only embarked on a meteoric rise under the guidance of new boss Arne Slot.

Heading into September’s international break sat at the top of the Premier League table, the former Feyenoord boss has also seen his high-flying squad gain a string of public praise from across the continent.

However, although the mood around Anfield might be at a red-hot high, the Reds have some heavyweight decisions that need to be made behind the scenes.

Alongside the record-breaking Mohamed Salah and influential skipper Virgil van Dijk, homegrown superstar Trent-Alexander is now in the final 12 months of his deal with Liverpool and it appears that both parties still remain at loggerheads.

Playing a crucial role in Liverpool’s remarkable start to life under Slot, the England international has started each of Liverpool’s first nine appearances both on the domestic and European stage.

A close personal friend of Los Blancos talisman Jude Bellingham and with Madrid a long-term admirer, it has been suggested that the 26-year-old is excited by the prospect of a move to the Spanish capital.

So much achieved at just 26 years-old 🥳

Is Trent Alexander-Arnold already the Premier League’s greatest ever right-back? 🔴 pic.twitter.com/m8o516ELfB

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 7, 2024

Pedro Porro – Tottenham

Suffering what was an infamous Premier League collapse away at Brighton last weekend as they entered October’s international break with an action-packed 3-2 defeat, Tottenham have struggled to find any real stability since opening up the new campaign.

With it speculated over the past couple of months that Ange Postecoglou could find some mounting pressure on his shoulders, it has also been reported that one of Spurs’ first-team stars is attracting plenty of interest from Los Blancos.

While Pedro Porro might have initially struggled to find his feet after arriving from Sporting Lisbon in a £30million deal last January, the 23-year-old has has become a key part of Postecoglou’s plans in north London.

Watching Brazilian defender Emerson Royal eventually get his move to AC Milan over the summer, Porro has cemented his spot as Tottenham’s number one choice at right-back and has gained a reputation for his effectiveness in the final third.

Although Porro might still have three years remaining on his current contract with the top-four hopefuls, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported last week that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the 23-year-old and have identified him as a dream long-term replacement for Carvajal.

Pedro Porro vs Ferencvaros:

-70/85 passes completed
-1 chance created
-5/5 successful dribbles
-19 passes into the final third
-1 clearance
-1 headed clearance
-4 interceptions
-9 ball recoveries
-6/11 ground duels won
-1 foul won

Brilliant again. 🤍🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/BrLYEk7sm8

— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) October 3, 2024

Diogo Dalot – Manchester United

Watching the new Old Trafford hierarchy shockingly make the decision to stick with Erik ten Hag over the summer, Manchester United have only continued on another infamous rut since opening up the new campaign.

Remarkably scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the table and registering just a pair of victories from any of their first seven Premier League appearances this season, the Red Devils are desperately seeking a major shake-up across the board.

However, although the likes of big-money summer recruit Matthijs de Ligt might have failed to find his feet since arriving in the red half of Manchester, Diego Dalot is one of just a handful of United players who can hold his head relatively high.

Gaining a reputation for his versatility to play at both full-back positions since his arrival at Old Trafford as a 19-year-old back in 2018, the Portuguese international has featured in all of United’s domestic and European appearances so far this season.

Although Dalot might have only signed a contract extension with ten Hag’s side last year, Spanish outlet Fichajes are reporting that Los Blancos have identified the former Porto starlet as an achievable target.

Special night in a special stadium.
Learnings to take, thank you for the incredible support! 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/MERV6OIUMc

— Diogo Dalot (@DalotDiogo) October 4, 2024