Latest developments
- Real Madrid want to sign Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.
- Los Blancos have reportedly made contact with Saliba's people.
- Real are known to be in the market for new defenders.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): French angle is noteworthy
Real Madrid's attempts to strengthen their defence have led them to Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.
sportskeeda.com are covering the story, which has been gathering pace since footmercato.com – a site from Saliba's homeland of France, revealed that Real had “made contact” with the player's entourage.
Value (2.5/5): Real will have to pay big
A key man at the back for the Gunners and now a regular for the French national side, Saliba's market value has rocketed to £67.5 million.
But under contract until 2027 and integral to Mikel Arteta's men, it is unlikely that Arsenal will entertain anything less than £100 million for the 23-year-old.
Suitability (4.5/5): A smooth operator
An assured defender, comfortable on the ball and able to pop up and score at the other end, Saliba is everything Carlo Ancelotti will value in a modern centre-back.
A back four at the Bernabeu means there is no new system to adapt to, while few would doubt he has the temperament needed to succeed at Real.
Upgrade? (4/5): Changing of the guard
Eder Militao out for the season has prompted Real to search for a new centre-back, while Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are unlikely to be there much longer.
Now seems the time for an overhaul at the back, and Saliba has the potential to go straight in and nail down a starting place, perhaps alongside Tottenham's Cristian Romero?
Logic (4/5): Unfinished business?
Two Community Shields is all Saliba has won at the Emirates, and he may want to stick around until silverware is won.
That said, he would be all but guaranteed trophies at Real Madrid, and it is hard to turn down the record European champions, especially when they are in need of players in your position. The price will be high, but that has never stopped Real before.
Whisper+ verdict: 17.5/25
Arsenal will work hard to stop this happening, but there is only so much they can do to stop Real, and Saliba is right up their alley.
