If recent suggestions in the media are accurate then it looks like Real Madrid will be keeping an eye out on centre-backs in the January transfer window. That is a direct result of their injury problems. Eder Militao tore his ACL in the very first game of the campaign and it is unclear when he will return. And David Alaba suffered a torn ACL in the recent game against Villarreal, resulting in him being ruled out for the rest of the season.
Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez are the only two fit centre-backs in the squad right now. Even Castilla's Marvel, who could be a possible cover option, is expected to remain out for the foreseeable future with an injury.
Thus, it would make sense for Real Madrid to sign a centre-back in January. It feels unlikely that the club would make a significant move in the middle of the season but that has not stopped them from being linked with some high-profile names.
Portuguese international, Goncalo Inacio, falls under that category. But it looks like other clubs hold a potential interest in the Sporting CP centre-back as well.
Arsenal interested in Real Madrid target with €60m release clause
As reported by The Sun, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Inacio. But the club are unlikely to be active in the January window in terms of both incomings and outgoings.
Someone like Inacio would tick a lot of boxes that Real Madrid look for when signing players these days. He is just 22 years of age and is a full Portugal international.
There is believed to be a €60 million release clause in his current deal, which any club interested in Inacio might need to meet to sign him. But rumours have suggested that Sporting CP are ready to be flexible when it comes to payment terms.