Latest developments
- Real Madrid keen to sign Arsenal‘s William Saliba.
- Los Blancos want to recruit a new centre-back this summer.
- Arsenal are determined to retain Saliba's services.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Real Madrid eyeing Saliba as top defensive target
Real Madrid are reportedly ‘most keen' on signing Arsenal's Saliba out of all their possible defensive targets for the summer transfer window.
That is according to The Athletic, who claim Los Blancos have been admirers of Saliba since he emerged from Saint-Etienne's academy system.
Value (1/5): Arsenal reluctant to sell
The same report states that it is ‘highly unlikely' that Saliba will join the Spanish giants in the summer transfer window. The Gunners are under no pressure to part ways with a player who is under contract until June 2027.
As a result, Real Madrid would have to offer an astronomical amount to persuade Arsenal to even consider a potential sale.
Suitability (4.5/5): Top Premier League centre-back
Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since he joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019. Saliba has started 29 Premier League matches for the Gunners this season, playing a key role in his team boasting the best defensive record in the division.
Upgrade? (4.5/5): Potential Rudiger partner
Real Madrid's defence has proven to be a problem area this season due to injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba. The latter is now back in action, but Los Blancos still want to bring in a defender to be Antonio Rudiger's centre-back partner.
Raul Asencio has shown he is a capable defender, but Real Madrid may look to recruit a more established centre-back to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Logic (2/5): Move for the future
As it stands, Saliba appears to be happy at Arsenal and could be given the chance to sign a new deal with the North London club. The 24-year-old is unlikely to leave the Gunners this summer, although he may be open to joining Real Madrid at some point in the future.
Whisper+ verdict: 16/25
Real Madrid would improve their squad if they were able to secure the Frenchman's signature. However, Los Blancos may have to wait at least a year or two before they have a realistic chance of signing the Arsenal defender.
