Real Madrid have made Arsenal center-back William Saliba their top defensive target for the upcoming summer transfer window, according to reports from Spain. The French international, signed by Arsenal for £27 million in 2019, has become one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League and was instrumental in Arsenal's recent Champions League victory over Madrid.
Marca and Radio Marca report that Madrid president Florentino Pérez has taken a personal interest in securing Saliba, with sources stating a "discreet" approach has already been made. The club is reportedly prepared to commit significant resources to finalize the transfer.
Saliba's performances have not gone unnoticed. The 24-year-old played every minute of the 2023-24 season in what became the Premier League's strongest defense. His impact was further highlighted during Arsenal's two-leg elimination of Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. He was also named to the 2024 FIFA The Best World XI.
"To be where I am today, a starter in the French national team, and to also play for one of the best clubs in the world like Arsenal, I couldn't have dreamed of anything better," Saliba told Telefoot over the weekend. However, he downplayed talk of being the best defender in the world, stating, "Not the best no... One of the best defenders, yes, I think. I still have to do much, much better to one day, I hope, become the best."
Saliba signed a new contract with Arsenal last season reportedly worth £10 million annually, which runs until 2027, but without an extension clause. By the summer, he will have two years remaining on the deal. Madrid's interest revives longstanding admiration dating back to his loan spell at Marseille during the 2021-22 season.
Madrid are also monitoring other Premier League talent as they prepare for a significant squad overhaul. The club is expected to secure Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer and is exploring moves for midfielders Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.
Their interest follows a disappointing season in which Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal and lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona. They trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga with only five games remaining. The uncertainty surrounding manager Carlo Ancelotti's future, as he eyes a move to manage Brazil's national team for the 2026 World Cup, has added urgency to Madrid's rebuilding plans.
Madrid's defense could also be weakened further with Antonio Rüdiger facing a potential 12-match suspension after an incident involving a referee. The club has not spent significantly on a defender since signing Ferland Mendy from Lyon in 2019 for around £47 million.
Should their pursuit of Saliba falter, Madrid have identified two backup options: Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, who has a £50 million release clause, and Manchester City's Manuel Akanji.
