Real Madrid Signing depends on how well Achraf performs

Real Sociedad full-back Alvaro Odriozola's dramatic rise has been noted by Real Madrid who are ready to make a raid for him at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has already made his debut for Julen Lopetegui's national side and he is part of a bright crop of young players that have helped Sociedad make a bright start to the campaign.

Zinedine Zidane has given his backing to the club's technical department who are keen on the player to provide competition at right back.

Much will depend on how well Achraf does this season as understudy to Dani Carvajal in deciding whether Los Blancos do make a raid for Odriozola who has a buy-out clause of 40 million euros.

Meteoric rise

Odriozola made his debut for Sociedad in January of this year against Malaga due to injuries for Carlos Martinez and Zaldua, having been named in the squad twice before after strong performances at youth level.

He went on to play 15 games last season for the Basque club and also debuted for the Spain U-21 side in March before making the step up to the full Spain squad to help them qualify for the World Cup.

Watched closely

Odriozola was already on the Real radar in the summer of 2016 with Danilo close to leaving the club and back-up was wanted for Carvajal but in the end they chose the home grown Achraf and the versatility of Nacho who could also play at right-back.

The Achraf factor

It will be down to how well Achraf performs whether Zidane feels it is necessary to bring in a reinforcement and the reality is that the Frenchman has a lot of belief in the player. So much so that he played him in a high-profile Champions League clash last Tuesday against Tottenham.

Carvajal's absence is giving Achraf a lengthy spell to prove himself and a decision will be made at the end of the season.

Tough bargaining

In spite of the fact that Odriozola's representatives have a good relationship with Madrid and also look after other players in the squad including Casemiro, the negotiations are set to be difficult with Sociedad.

It is quite plausible that the team from San Sebastian will not accept anything less than the buy-out clause of 40 million euros which is not exorbitant considering how much was spent during the summer.

Florentino Perez does not like to pay the buy-out clause and did not do so with Theo or Ceballos but while it is not his style, it can be seen in the way that Sociedad stood firm under pressure from Barcelona for Inigo Martinez, he may be forced to do so.

International

Save a big surprise, then Odriozola will be in the Spain squad for the World Cup and so it is in keeping with the level that is expected at the Bernabeu.

On another note with Barcelona having looked at Odriozola but decided instead to sign Semedo it means that Real will not face competition from their arch-rivals.