Rumour: Xabi Alonso said to prefer move to Chelsea or Arsenal

Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid during a training session at Valdebebas training ground

The veteran is being touted to join one of the Premier League giants – Chelsea or Arsenal in the January transfer window.

The 32-year old midfielder’s contract at the Bernebeu runs out next summer. With the veteran failing to extend his contract, a host of European clubs have been linked with a move for him in the summer on a free transfer.

Real Madrid paid big bucks for the player in 2009, when they secured the defensive midfielder for a massive £30 million from Liverpool. The Los Blancos might be tempted to sell their star in January instead of letting him go on a free in the summer, considering the hefty transfer fee they paid for his acquisition.

The playmaker is said to have ruled out a move to the Middle-East, MLS and Liverpool, leaving Chelsea and Arsenal in pole position to land the 109 times capped Spanish international.