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President Florentino Perez of Madrid announced that right-back defender Lauren will become a member of the "Royal" club after the end of this season. According to the president, the Cameroonian will arrive in Madrid without a transfer fee.
Lauren's contract with the London club will expire at the end of this season, so the "Real" club, looking to strengthen its defense, will not have to pay large transfer fees. F. Perez also stated that he has already reached an agreement with Lauren regarding a personal contract.
The 27-year-old defender, who arrived in England in 2000 from another Spanish club, managed to earn the trust of coach A. Wenger and began most of the matches in the starting lineup of Arsenal. However, according to F. Perez, he agreed to exchange the London club for the opportunity to play in the "Royal" club.
"Next season, Lauren will represent Real, as his contract is ending," said F. Perez.
Lauren's arrival in Madrid would revive rumors suggesting that Michael Salgado, who plays in the same position, could move to another club. The Spanish player's contract with Real expires in 2009.
