Real Madrid have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign one of Europe's most in-demand defenders. The La Liga giants are expected to be in the market for a new center-back in the summer but one of their targets is now on Arsenal's radar.
Xabi Alonso has dealt with injury troubles to his defense throughout the season including Antonio Rudiger. The German was nearly ruled out of the Spanish Super Cup 2-1 semi-final win over Atletico Madrid.
Rudiger's contract expires in the summer and he's been linked with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. David Alaba is on his way out of the Bernabeu once his deal runs out in June.
Real Madrid drop interest in Arsenal transfer target
Madrid were looking at the possibility of bringing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to the Spanish capital. The English center-back becomes a free agent in the summer and his potential availability on a free transfer was enticing.
But Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reports that Los Blancos are no longer in the race for the 25-year-old. It comes as Arsenal have shown interest in signing the player, joining a list of clubs from the Premier League and Europe in pursuing his signature.
El Arsenal también quiere a Guehi.
— Mario Cortegana (@MarioCortegana) January 9, 2026
El Real Madrid no está en este punto en la carrera por el central inglés, y mientras se van posicionando todos los grandes de la Premier League (y alguno de fuera).@TheAthleticFC https://t.co/WKmip4oZLf
Guehi has been one of English football's best defenders over the years and played a crucial role in Palace's FA Cup win last season. If he joins the Gunners he might have to deal with playing a backup role given Mikel Arteta has Gabriel Magalhaes and previous Madrid target, William Saliba, as his starting defensive duo.
Looks like Schlotterbeck
While Madrid are no longer in the Guehi race, they are in pole position to sign Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. It's claimed that a move for the left-footed center-back is looking "increasingly likely" and could be around the €50 million mark.
Bayern Munich are also keen but Dortmund would rather sell to a club outside of the Bundesliga. He is versatile, able to fill in at left-back and could be an ideal Alaba replacement.
The Austrian has been a fine servant for the club but the latter stages of his spell with Madrid have been plagued by injuries. He's made just four appearances this season, and Alonso has left him on the bench in his side's last two La Liga games.
Madrid's back four come next season could be a youthful one especially if Rudiger follows Alaba out of the door. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asensio, Schlotterbeck and Alvaro Carreras could be the vision that the manager has in mind.