Raúl Albiol - Linked With Arsenal

[Pat Murphy]

Raúl Albiol Tortajada (born 4 September 1985 in Valencia) is a 21-year-old Spanish footballer who plays as a defender for Valencia CF. He previously played on loan for the 2004/2005 season at Getafe CF, where he got enough experience in Primera División to become a regular starter in Valencia.

Albiol played in the opening game of the La Liga 06/07 season against Betis and scored the winner as the game finished 2-1.

Albiol scored a screamer against Olympiacos of Greece on 12th September 2006 in the 2006-07 UEFA Champions League, which Valencia won 4-2.

Albiol's father was a famous player for the Spanish football club Benidorm CD. Whilst his father still had contacts at Benidorm he had wanted Albiol to join them at age 9 and he did join the Benidorm Under 9s and in a friendly match against Valencia CF he had played very impressively. Immediately the Valencia coach asked Albiol's father if he could have a trial at Valencia, and he got in straight away gliding through the ranks and now looks to be one Spain's big prospects for the future. Raul Albiol has admired Spain and Valencia defender Carlos Marchena saying that he watches him and takes notes down and would love to have the same career as him.

Wikipedia

[Pat Murphy]

Arsenal Linked With Albiol

Arsenal are reportedly planning a bid for promising Valencia defender Raul Albiol...

According to The Sunday Mirror, Albiol, who is rated at around £10 million in the transfer market, could help strengthen the weak point in the Arsenal side - the defence - that contributed to the club's problems during the latter stages of the season, resulting in a campaign that had promised much ultimately yielding no silverware.

Albiol is thought to fit manager Arsene Wenger's blueprint for the Gunners of emerging young talents who can develop alongside the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie at the Emirates.

The 22-year-old is a product of Valencia's youth system and has even captained Los Che on several occasions. His performances for the club - in defence as well as defensive midfield - have earned him high praise and two caps for the Spanish national team.

It is thought the only thing that has held the youngster back from playing more times for his country is the miserable season endured by his club this season, in which they barely avoided relegation and were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stages.

They did, however, win the Copa del Rey, and Albiol was a major player in their strong rearguard that saw them overcome Barcelona on the way to beating Getafe in the final.

Mark Hinton, Goal.com

Goal.com - Valencia - Arsenal Linked With Albiol


Future Valencia captain, would he leave for Arsenal? I'm not sure.