Real Madrid will reportedly continue to closely monitor 24-year-old French international William Saliba despite his contract renewal at Arsenal.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, William Saliba is still the subject of interest of Real Madrid. The Merengues are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit next year by signing a centre-back. So, the 24-year-old Arsenal defender is a long-term target for Los Blancos.
However, the Gunners have secured an agreement with the Frenchman over a new long-term contract, although that has not deterred Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are still tracking Saliba’s progress at Arsenal, and they will assess their options if they decide to pursue his signature next year.
William Saliba and his impact at Arsenal
William Saliba has established himself as one of the world’s best defenders since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in a deal worth £27 million in July 2019. While the 24-year-old did not immediately become a first-choice starter for the North London club, he has not looked back since becoming a mainstay at the heart of the defence in the 2022/23 season.
Saliba has made nearly 150 appearances thus far for the North London outfit while chipping in with seven goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the French defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Real Madrid will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature next year.
Can Real Madrid sign Saliba?
Real Madrid’s long-term interest in William Saliba is understandable. Los Blancos signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window. However, the advancing age of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger has forced Real Madrid to remain in the market for a centre-back. Additionally, Eder Militao’s long-term fitness situation is uncertain after suffering two season-ending knee injuries in as many campaigns.
So, Saliba has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Merengues keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by securing the Arsenal defender’s services next summer. However, the Gunners have secured an agreement with the 24-year-old Frenchman, although that has not ended Real Madrid’s interest.
While Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano are also on Real Madrid’s radar, the Spanish giants are still closely monitoring Saliba’s progress. It will be interesting to see who they pursue to reinforce their central defensive unit next summer.