Real Madrid have made contact with Arsenal defender William Saliba’s entourage ahead of the prospect transfer next summer, according to a report in France.
The towering centre-back has been a permanent defensive pillar for the Gunners since returning from his loan spell at Marseille in 2022. A season-ending back injury limited his first full campaign in 2022/23. – and encouraged Arsenala subsequent drop from the top of the Premier League – but Saliba has missed just one of the club’s last 59 top-flight games.
With a unique blend of mental agility and physical prowess, Saliba is widely regarded as one of—if not the— the best center backs in the world. That powerful profile has attracted the interest of arguably the best club on the planet.
Madrid reached out to Saliba’s representatives according to a report from Foot Market. A lot towards Carlo Ancelotti’s frustrationthe reigning European champions are not expected to make any defensive reinforcements in January, with a potential move for Saliba further discussed over the summer.
Whenever they arrive, there’s no doubt about it Madrid they need more defensive options.
Injuries Eder Militau and David Alaba forced Ancelotti to clumsily insert defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni into the centre-back role alongside the impeccable Antonio Rudiger. The Frenchman has rarely looked comfortable in that position, leading to an unexpected glut of minutes for 21-year-old Raul Asencio this season.
the prize would require a hefty transfer fee Saliba away from Arsenal, who have the 23-year-old under contract until 2027. Madrid are also tracking young RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba, who would cost significantly less than his French compatriot but does not boast the same guarantee of quality.
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