Real Madrid want to sign Aaron Ramsey as an alternative option to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish outlet AS (via TMW) report that Ramsey is a ‘hot name for the future of Real Madrid’. The La Liga club are keen to sign the Welshman to have him as an option when their current star midfielders aren’t available.

As we all know by now, Ramsey and Arsenal seemingly reached an impasse in contract negotiations a couple of months ago. As it stands, the Welshman would be out of contract and free to leave next summer. Recent rumours on Twitter suggest the Gunners might have reopened talks in the last few weeks, but for now, that’s just gossip.

A possibility that isn’t covered in the AS report is that Arsenal could try and use this opportunity to negotiate a swap deal for Madrid star Isco. The Gunners are reportedly ‘watching the situation’ of the 26-year-old, who is still yet to start a match in seven under new manager Santiago Solari.

Isco has a significantly longer contract than Ramsey, with his deal expiring in 2022. However, Real Madrid are really struggling this season compared to their usual high standards, so they may be keen to get a deal over the line in January.

If that’s the case, maybe they would consider a discounted cash-plus-Ramsey deal for their out-of-favour star. We’ll see.