Real Madrid are firm admirers of Arsenal defender William Saliba and will be ready to pursue the Frenchman whenever he opens the door to a move to Santiago Bernabeu, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Los Blancos have reportedly identified the France international as their primary centre-back target and consider him a ‘game-changing’ signing to bolster their star-studded squad.
Saliba has so far shown no signs of wanting to leave Arsenal this summer, and the Gunners remain in a strong negotiating position, with his contract running until June 2027.
However, should he become available, Real Madrid are expected to pounce and secure another Premier League star, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has announced he will join the reigning Champions League winners next season.
Real Madrid Very Keen on William Saliba
Los Blancos consider him a ‘generational centre-back’
William Saliba warming up for Arsenal.
Photo courtesy of Reuters.
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Real Madrid have identified Saliba as a ‘generational’ centre-back and are ready to move for the Frenchman as early as this summer:
“I've been telling you many times about the interest of Real Madrid. I have told you this sentence several times, and remember this sentence.
“Someone internally at Real Madrid, in the management, believes William Saliba is the Bellingham of the defenders. And that's the feeling they have at Real Madrid.
“They consider William Saliba a game-changer, a generational centre-back. So if Real Madrid ever get an open door to go and negotiate for Saliba, Real Madrid will be ready.
“Whether it's this summer, next summer, or in 2027 on a free. In any case, Real Madrid will be ready to go for Saliba because they love him.”
Saliba, who joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019, has blossomed into one of the best defenders in the world during his six years at the Emirates.
He has been instrumental to the Gunners’ rise under Mikel Arteta, helping them mount three consecutive Premier League title challenges and amassing 131 appearances across all competitions.
Arteta is believed to be pushing for Saliba to sign an extension to his Emirates contract, which is also understood to be a priority for newly-appointed sporting director Andrea Berta.
According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Arsenal are prepared to offer the 24-year-old a salary increase, although official talks regarding an extension are not believed to have taken place yet.
William Saliba's Arsenal Stats (2024/25 Premier League)
Games
Goals
Assists
Goal-creating actions
Minutes played
Sign up toThe GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and boss Mikel Arteta Related
Exclusive: Arsenal 'Set to Hold Talks with Agent' of £70m Striker Over Move
Arsenal are preparing to enter discussions with Viktor Gyokeres' representatives ahead of a potential summer switch
Statistics courtesy ofFbrefandTransfermarkt. Correct as of 0 5 -05-25.