Rafa Benitez: Liverpool FC may yet keep Alvaro Arbeloa

Alvaro Arbeloa

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists the signing of Glen Johnson does not necessarily mean Alvaro Arbeloa’s days at Anfield are numbered.

England right-back Johnson, 24, yesterday completed his move from Portsmouth for a fee believed to be £17million, although much of that will be offset by money still owed from Peter Crouch’s transfer to Fratton Park last summer.

Johnson’s arrival increases the likelihood of Arbeloa leaving this summer, with Real Madrid ready to make a move.

But Benitez has not ruled out the possibility of the 26-year-old staying.

“Arbeloa was a good player for us last year.

"He has one year left on his contract and we have offered him an extension and we’re talking,” Benitez said.

“He is our player but if there is a good offer we have to consider it.

“We have two or three clubs asking about him. He would like to stay but he knows the competition will be hard.”

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