La Liga champions Real Madrid are reportedly tracking the progress of 23-year-old Arsenal mainstay William Saliba.
According to a report by HITC, William Saliba is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos might not launch the offensive to sign the Arsenal defensive mainstay in the summer transfer window. But after “making checks” on the 23-year-old this season, Real Madrid will view him as a long-term target.
The rise and rise of William Saliba
William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining Arsenal. A graduate of the Saint-Etienne youth division, the Frenchman joined the North London club in a deal worth €30 million in July 2019. However, he had to bide his time before establishing a foothold in the first-team squad at the Emirates.
The 23-year-old embarked on three loan spells in his homeland and also contemplated leaving Arsenal before he got his break in the 2022/23 season. Since then, he has not looked back, becoming a mainstay at the back for the Gunners while being a catalyst in the club becoming Premier League title contenders in the last two campaigns.
Meanwhile, Saliba’s market value has skyrocketed in the last two years, zooming to €80 million due to his exploits at the back. The French centre-back has also broken into his national side, turning out 13 times for Les Bleus. In addition, the Arsenal defender has emerged as a target for top clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid want Saliba
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attempted to sign William Saliba from Arsenal in last summer’s transfer window. However, a move did not materialise, with the North London club not showing any interest in selling him. He is now a target for Real Madrid, with Los Blancos tracking him for a long time.
Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba is understandable. Nacho is well into his thirties and approaching the end of his glittering career. In addition, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30. So, it behoves Real Madrid to sign a young centre-back who can be Eder Militao’s long-term central defensive partner.
Several candidates, including Leny Yoro, have emerged on Real Madrid’s radar over a possible move in the summer transfer window. However, Saliba is also a viable target, although the report suggests he is a long-term target instead of being an option for this summer due to potential budgetary issues.
