Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Aurelio Buta, with the 24-year-old Portuguese defender one of the right-backs being eyed by Carlo Ancelotti.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid are keen on signing a right-back at the earliest possible opportunity, with Carlo Ancelotti identifying three possible candidates to come in at the club. And one of the options on his radar is Royal Antwerp defender Aurelio Buta.
Aurelio Buta has made massive strides in his career since joining Royal Antwerp from Benfica. Initially signed on loan by the Belgian club, the 24-year-old right-back was signed permanently the following year, and he has not looked back since.
To date, the Portuguese defender has made 119 appearances for Royal Antwerp, chipping in with an impressive two goals and 20 assists along the way. His progress at the Bosuilstadion has not gone unnoticed, having been linked with Celtic and Everton in the summer transfer window. And now, Real Madrid have also set their sights on him.
The interest from Real Madrid makes sense as their right-back arsenal has often been laid bare in recent times due to the fitness issues that have been plaguing Dani Carvajal. With Alvaro Odriozola now on loan at Fiorentina, the problems have compounded, especially with Carvajal once again on the sidelines.
While Lucas Vazquez has done a fine job of deputising for Carvajal since last season as a makeshift right-back, it is a prudent move to consider signing a natural right-back, especially seeing as Vazquez could be an even better option higher up the pitch. With that in mind, Real Madrid are keen on signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, the pursuit of the Liverpool defender will be complicated as the Reds are expected to be reluctant to part ways with the Englishman. And Carlo Ancelotti has now created a shortlist of three candidates who could come in and compete with Carvajal for the first-choice right-back slot, with Odriozola likely to be offloaded next summer.
One of the options is Buta, who could well become a long-term solution at right-back for Los Blancos after initially learning the ropes from Carvajal. Ancelotti also has Denzel Dumfries and Diogo Dalot in his sights, and it will be interesting to see which of three becomes the priority option for Real Madrid, if they are unable to sign Alexander-Arnold.