Arsenal face Saliba nightmare as Real Madrid outline transfer intentions

Tom Weber

• Updated: 6 Jul 2024 15:14 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are plotting to launch a transfer offensive for William Saliba next summer, according to a report.

The Arsenal centre-back has established himself as one of the best in Europe in recent seasons and he has finally been given the opportunity to also show this for France.

Didier Deschamps previously did not trust the 23-year-old to start for Les Bleus, but this has changed at Euro 2024. Saliba has been imperious at the tournament in Germany, playing every single available minute and not conceding an open-play goal yet.

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France have thus far kept four clean sheets in five games with the Gunners star marshalling the backline and his form has, of course, not gone unnoticed. However, there are few clubs in the world that can match Arsenal's stature and financial muscle, so transfer speculation has been few and far between.

One club who are in a position to challenge the Gunners, though, are Real Madrid, and they have now set their sights on Mikel Arteta's defensive rock.

Real Madrid to go for Saliba in 2025

Repeatedly rumoured in recent weeks, GIVEMESPORT is the latest outlet to report that Los Blancos have taken a serious interest in the 23-year-old.

In fact, it is claimed that Real Madrid will attempt to sign the Frenchman next summer, knowing full well that they can't possibly pursue him this year after having signed Kylian Mbappe. Additionally, the European champions have Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro as their top priority to reinforce the centre-back position this summer.

Real Madrid have yet to decide whether to make a move for the 18-year-old, but if they were to do so, a deal is expected to be wrapped up swiftly, with all of his suitors aware that Yoro only wants to join the Spaniards.

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Next summer, Florentino Perez will attempt to make Saliba the club's next Galactico, with the Frenchman potentially partnering compatriot Yoro at the heart of Real Madrid's defence for the next decade.

Arsenal, of course, have no intention to sell Saliba and are themselves keen to build their backline around him for the future. However, everybody knows that once Real Madrid come calling, it is difficult to not pick up the phone.