Rafa Benitez has admitted that he is open to listening to any offers for right-back Alvaro Arbeloa, amid speculation linking the Spanish international with a move to Real Madrid.
Recent reports have suggested that Arbeloa may be on his way to Real Madrid this summer for around £8million after the Reds signed England international right-back Glen Johnson for £17.5million.
And today Reds boss Benitez confirmed that any offers for Arbeloa, who is currently in South Africa on international duty with Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup, must be listened to with only one year left on the defender’s contract at Anfield.
He said, “Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract.
“If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it.”
Earlier today, Real Madrid general director Jorge Valdano added fuel to the Arbeloa speculation, telling AS, “It’s true that the kid only has a year left on his contract at Liverpool and this offers more possibilities.
“He plays in a number of defensive positions, and this versatility is good. We know him well. He is another option to weigh up.”
It is thought that Benitez would allow Arbeloa to leave if it would create more funds for his transfer spending this summer.
Though Benitez added that he doesn’t necessarily need to offload players to buy his next transfer target.
He added, “We have a plan. We can sign one more player if necessary, but that’s without any players leaving.”
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