Marcos Llorente Talks Real Madrid Future Amid Liverpool, Arsenal Rumours

Real Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente has said he will discuss his future with the club this Christmas amid rumours linking him with Liverpool and Arsenal. 

The 23-year-old has started Real's last four matches and impressed. It is a big change in fortunes for the young Spaniard as he had been afforded just 11 minutes in La Liga and a Copa del Rey appearance in 2018-19 before starting against Roma last month, and he said his aim is still to be a success at the Santiago Bernabeu, per Chris Burton of Goal:

"If a few months ago you'd said to me that I was going to play four games in a row, I wouldn't have believed it. I was in a difficult position, I wasn't expecting to play against Roma but you've got to take advantage of your opportunities.

"We all want to play and I've always said that I want to be successful here so I'm going to fight for my place - and make the boss realise that he can count on me. At Christmas I'll talk to the club to decide what's best for me." 

Real manager Santiago Solari turned to Llorente after an injury to Casemiro, and the academy graduate has risen to the challenge impressively with a string of fine performances:

Per Alberto Pinero of Goal, Casemiro should be back to fitness ahead of schedule for the start of Real's FIFA Club World Cup campaign on December 19.

However, Llorente may yet keep the Brazilian out of the first team:

Barely two weeks ago Llorente's Real career looked all but over as he had spent most of the season on the sidelines.

A move to Alaves on loan had reportedly been arranged, but it was then cancelled in the wake of his performance against Roma, per AS (h/t Football Espana).

The fact that Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked to Llorente is an indication of just how talented he is.

But the Premier League duo are unlikely to be able to snap him up in January after his recent run in the Real side.

There will likely be a number of clubs who keep tabs on him for the rest of the season, though, as he could agitate for a move next summer if he returns to the bench when Casemiro is back to full fitness.