Real Madrid step up interest in Roma's Samuel

Real Madrid are pressing for AS Roma defender Walter Samuel.

The European champs are expected to battle Arsenal for the Argentina international with both clubs willing to offer cash-plus-player deals for the centre-half.

Real are prepared to add long-time Roma target Fernando Morientes into the deal, while Italian press reports speculate that the Gunners will offer Freddie Ljungberg.

Samuel's current contract runs out in 2006 and Roma want him to extend it to 2008.

But Samuel's financial demands are proving difficult for Roma president Franco Sensi to match, a stalemate that could lead to the Argentine demanding a transfer at the end of the season.