Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool are both tracking Spanish International defender Raul Albiol of La Liga side Valencia, according to Spanish paper AS.
23-year-old Albiol can play either as a central-defender or a defensive midfielder and has come through the academy set-up at Los Che. After joining Valencia as a 11-year-old, Albiol made his senior debut for the Spanish side in 2005 and has made over 100 league appearances for Valencia during his time at the Mestalla.
Albiol gained his first cap for Spain in 2007 and was a member of their EURO 2008 winning team this summer, with the Spaniard’s performances for club and country attracting interest from the Gunners and the Merseyside club.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to strengthen the centre of his defence and midfield in light of recent results in the Premiership and has identified Albiol as a possible solution to the current problems at the Emirates Stadium. With a move for the Spaniard being mooted in January.
Former Valencia coach Rafa Benitez knows all about Albiol from his time in charge at the Mestalla and is reportedly keen to bring the versatile player to Anfield as he looks to try and secure his first Premier League title this year.
However, Albiol current deal at the Mestalla runs until 2011, with Valencia president Vicente Soriano keen to keep the player in La Liga and has already made moves to discuss a new deal with Albiol to ward off any potential suitors.
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