Real Madrid have been linked with several defenders in recent weeks, both for the short and the long term. Of all the linked players, Aymeric Laporte has stood out as their favoured target.
Los Blancos prefer the former Manchester City star for a plethora of reasons, right from his nationality and experience to the UEFA Champions League-winning run under Pep Guardiola.
However, there has been a consensus that signing the centre-back is close to impossible as Al-Nassr will not open the door to letting one of their most important players leave especially on a loan.
Speaking to El Larguero via MARCA recently, the Al-Nassr defender was asked to comment on Real Madrid’s interest in signing him this winter.
"I’m not very aware of it. I’ve read the same as you, so there’s no problem," he began.
"I would obviously listen to a call from Real Madrid. You don’t ignore clubs like that," he added.
He was also asked if he was open to leaving Saudi Arabia and returning to Spain, a valid question, especially given the astronomical wages in the Middle East.
"I’ve already commented on it more than once. My idea of going back is there. I have my whole family in Europe. My idea of returning is there," he said, opening the door to a departure.
All eyes now, thus, are on Real Madrid to see if they can extract water from the stone. The 30-year-old has already made nine appearances for his team in the Saudi Pro League, scoring two goals and overseeing two clean sheets in the process.
His current contract at the club runs until 2026 and it is clear that a transfer will not come cheap.