Arsenal defender William Saliba has emerged as Real Madrid’s top defensive target ahead of the next transfer window, according to reports from France.
The 23-year-old has become one of the Premier League’s standout centre-backs after a rocky start to life at Arsenal, which saw him loaned out three times before establishing himself as a key player under Mikel Arteta.
Since returning to Arsenal for the 2022/23 season, Saliba has been a defensive mainstay, making 116 appearances and scoring seven goals.
His performances for club and country—earning 26 caps for France—have drawn the attention of Real Madrid, who view him as a priority signing as they look to bolster their backline.
According to RMC Sport, Madrid is preparing a summer move but faces a major obstacle: Arsenal has no intention of selling. The Gunners plan to slap an enormous price tag on Saliba, potentially demanding a world-record fee for a defender. Currently, that record belongs to Harry Maguire, who moved from Leicester to Manchester United for £80m. Arsenal reportedly won’t entertain any bids below that figure.
Saliba is under contract until 2027, giving Arsenal a strong bargaining position. However, Madrid’s interest suggests they are willing to spend big to land him. Meanwhile, the Spanish giants had also set their sights on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, but the striker’s long-term contract has made a deal unlikely, pushing their focus toward defensive reinforcements.