Xabi Alonso

Arbeloa becomes Real’s seventh signing of the summer after Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Negredo and Esteban Granero. And Real president Perez is under pressure from first-team coach Manuel Pellegrini and technical coach Jorge Valdano to also sign Alonso, with the duo huge admirers of the midfielder.

Indeed, Perez has admitted capturing Alonso is central to his plans for Real to overturn Barcelona as domestic and European champions. Alonso’s agent Inaki Ibanez was spotted in Madrid yesterday to further fuel speculation a deal was imminent.

Liverpool’s players return to Melwood today with Benitez expected to hold talks with Alonso to resolve the ongoing debate surrounding his future.

Real are prepared to offer £24m while Liverpool value the player at nearer £30m, although the Anfield outfit would be more willing to compromise if Alonso publicly declares a desire to leave.

Meanwhile, Andrea Dossena’s proposed £4.5m move to Napoli has hit a snag with the player as yet unable to agree personal terms with the Serie A side. “We have taken a break in order to reflect on this,” said Napoli director of sport Pierpaolo Marino. “The move is on hold. There are no immediate prospects. The President has spoken to Rafael Benitez, but there is some distance between us and the player. But I wouldn’t worry too much.”