Arsenal have been turned down by Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa, after the player looks set to rejoin his former Premier League club Liverpool this month in a sensational return to Anfield, as he will bring a wealth of experience and stability into the backline at the Merseyside club, according to the Express.

The Gunners are desperately on the lookout for defensive reinforcements as injuries continue to cripple them ahead of the heavy schedule of fixtures. With the club participating in multiple competitions at once, the travel and fatigue gets to some players, but that was certainly not the case with Mathieu Debuchy, the right back signed by Arsenal at the end of last season. The France international established his place in the starting eleven, only to be hampered by injuries. While the first injury for the player was ankle related, this time, it was Stoke City attacker Marko Arnautovic who pushed Debuchy as the latter tried to let the ball go out for a goal kick. Debuchy may have dislocated his shoulder, and any surgery will mean another three months out on the sidelines for the former Newcastle United defender.

Arbeloa would be a perfect replacement or temporary solution, but the Spanish international has opted to consider a move to Liverpool. The 31-year old was a product of the Madrid academy, and returned to the club after a good spell with the Reds. After 6 seasons, the right back is looking elsewhere for regular football.