Real Madrid are interested in signing 22-year-old Arsenal centre-back William Saliba to succeed David Alaba at the club.
According to a report by Defensa Central, Real Madrid are interested in the services of William Saliba. The 22-year-old centre-back has been doing wonders for Arsenal in the Premier League, and Los Blancos would love to have him in their ranks to replace David Alaba. But the youngster might cost around €100 million.
After coming through the ranks at Saint-Etienne, William Saliba joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019. Initially, he was subject to multiple loan moves across Europe. But, of late he has become the mainstay of their defence.
After a successful loan spell at Marseille in the 2021/22 season, he returned to the North London club last year and has been a regular feature in their first team since. Saliba featured in 33 matches for the Gunners last season as he racked up over 2,800 minutes.
He even contributed towards four goals and was one of the reasons for Arsenal’s exceptional run in the Premier League last season as they challenged Manchester City for the title right until the end and managed to secure Champions League football in the process.
The French international has carried his form into the 2023/24 season and has been doing a great job so far. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and Real Madrid are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old.
Back in the day when Zinedine Zidane was in charge of the team in white, he suggested the name of Saliba to the Real Madrid board. But, they could strike a deal for his services back then. However, they have been keeping a close eye on the Arsenal star. And, at this point in time, they are keen on having him in their ranks.
The report suggests that Florentino Perez would sign the 22-year-old tomorrow if he could. But, unfortunately, they will have to pay €100 million for his services, which seems impossible right now.
But, given the kind of business Real Madrid have been doing in the transfer market, a move in the near future can’t be ruled out. People close to Perez feel the 22-year-old could be a great fit for the club, and they eye him as someone who can take over from David Alaba in a year or two.
Alaba is already 31 and his performances have not been as consistent as they were back in the day. As a result, signing a replacement soon will help them in a smoother transition. Saliba has been in exceptional form and he will surely bolster their Madrid defence. But, signing him won’t be that easy a task given the price involved and the fact that Mikel Arteta will do everything in his power to keep him at Arsenal.
