-
Feature
- 6 hours ago
More bad news for Arsenal as Real Madrid go ALL-IN for Saliba
Carlo Garganese
- Updated: 30 Apr 2025 10:24 BST
- 3 min read
News
Real Madrid have made William Saliba their top target for the summer transfer market.
Marca reports that Madrid president Florentino Perez has given the go-ahead for the club to go all-in for the Arsenal defender at the end of the season.
Current ETV
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€59.6M - €99.4M
READ MORE: Real Madrid reach UNIQUE William Saliba agreement
Madrid have made the signing of at least one top-class centre back a priority in the next window.
The Blancos have suffered badly defensively this season. They are already set to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer from Liverpool and now want to add another Premier League ace.
READ MORE: Out of contract in 2025: The best free agents available on a Bosman
Saliba to Real Madrid
Saliba has been increasingly linked to Madrid in recent months, with RMC Sport reporting that Madrid are planning a record-breaking move for Arsenal's star defender.
RMC claims that Madrid are prepared to make Saliba the most expensive defender in football history.
This would mean Madrid paying more than the €87 million that Man Utd paid for Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019.
Saliba is understood to be open to a move to Madrid and his contract situation also puts Arsenal in difficulty.
Saliba's contract at Arsenal expires in 2027, though, meaning that the Gunners need to extend his deal soon.
This all comes as further bad news for Arsenal, who lost 1-0 to PSG at the Emirates on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi final.
Saliba has been integral to Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta in recent years and is considered by many as the best defender in the Premier League.
He has formed arguably the strongest centre back partnership in England alongside Gabriel.
Saliba at Arsenal
The 24-year-old Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27 million.
After a series of loans, he established himself as a key player from the 2022-23 season as Arsenal twice finished runners-up in the Premier League.
He has made 130 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals.
Saliba has also become a first-team starter for France this year, playing in their journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
He has won 28 caps for France and was also part of their squad for the 2022 World Cup where they reached the final.
