Race hots up for Real Valladolid defender Fernando Calero

Real Valladolid centre-back Fernando Calero has emerged as the January transfer target for some of Europe’s top sides.

The likes of Arsenal, Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund are all said to be extremely keen on acquiring his services this winter. Cadena Ser claims that Bundesliga giants have already made an offer for Real Valladolid in an effort to beat the competition to his signature.

Arsenal will not accept defeat that easily however with recent reports claiming that Unai Emery has identified Fernando Calero as an ideal long-term replacement for Laurent Koscielny and an immediate deputy for the crocked Rob Holding, who’s been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The 23-year-old Calero has caught the eye with impressive performances in La Liga this season, after not missing a single minute of action in the league thus far.

Calero is available on a €11 million release clause and Real Valladolid are desperate to tie him down to a new contract and avoid losing their prized asset on such a bargain price.