Former Athletic Bilbao sporting director Rafael Alkorta has advised Real Madrid to look to Arsenal’s young center-back William Saliba over Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Alkorta believes that investing in Saliba, a promising 22-year-old French talent, would offer long-term benefits for Madrid, with potential to secure the club’s defense for a decade, unlike the 30-year-old Laporte who would offer only a short-term solution.

Alkorta, who has been closely involved in Spanish football for years, suggested that Saliba’s qualities would fit Real Madrid’s tradition of making smart investments in young talents.

Since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne, Saliba has grown into one of Europe’s most exciting defenders, impressing with his physicality, composure, and tactical awareness.

His performances have contributed significantly to Arsenal’s recent success, making him a sought-after name among top clubs.

At just 22, he has a high resale value and the potential to become a cornerstone in any backline.

In contrast, Aymeric Laporte, though a proven defender with significant experience in La Liga and the Premier League, might not be an ideal long-term option for Los Blancos.

Laporte, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, is an excellent defender, known for his strong passing skills and experience.

He played a pivotal role at Manchester City, where he contributed to multiple titles before making the move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.

However, given his age, Laporte would be more of a short-term reinforcement than a strategic long-term investment.

Speaking with Cadena SER, Alkorta shared his views, stating, I would hold off on a January signing and wait to consider Laporte only as a backup option.

Real Madrid is cautious about their transfers and usually makes few mistakes in this area.

Spending 80 million euros on a young, promising player like Saliba could mean 10 years of stability for the team’s defense, Alkorta added.