Arsenal's nightmare: Real Madrid watching Saliba 'on a regular basis'

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Sept 2024 09:10 BST
4 min read

Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on William Saliba at Arsenal, according to a report.

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The Gunners' superstar defender has enjoyed a good start to the campaign domestically, though he recently came under fire for his performance for France against Italy.

Saliba, like the rest of Didier Deschamps' side, struggled in a 3-1 loss in Paris and it won't have helped his case with the national team coach, who has been notoriously on the fence about the 23-year-old despite his consistently good performances for Arsenal.

Indeed, it is Saliba's form with the north London giants that has seen him establish himself among the very best of Europe's centre-backs, with the Frenchman boasting excellent defensive nous, technical ability and athleticism.

Real Madrid are known admirers of the defender and have been prepared to play the long game with their interest. Indeed, Los Blancos won't be going away anytime soon.

Real Madrid closely watching Saliba

According to TBR Football, Real Madrid scouts are regularly in attendance at Arsenal games to watch Saliba in the flesh. Most recently, they witnessed the Frenchman's performance against Aston Villa.

Saliba has often been linked with Real Madrid and it is only natural that Los Blancos are interested in one of Europe's top defenders. Their squad has become progressively younger in recent years and the acquisition of the 23-year-old would fit their signing policy.

Moreover, the European champions are in need of defensive reinforcements. David Alaba and Eder Militao missed most of last season through injury and the latter has once again suffered a knock, while the former is still recovering and not getting any younger.

Alaba is 32 and Antonio Rudiger is 31. Captain Nacho left the club for Saudi Arabia this summer after more than 20 years at the club. Forgotten man Jesus Vallejo is also nursing an injury and so is midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has often had to deputise at centre-back.

Highly-rated youngster Joan Martinez, who had been training with the senior team despite his tender years, has torn his ACL and the 17-year-old won't return until the spring.

It is clear that Real Madrid could do with adding another body defensively and Saliba may be the man for the job in 2025. He extended his contract until 2027 last year, so Arsenal are not yet under intense pressure to sell. It may, however, be beneficial to start thinking about another extension.