TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Real Madrid were in attendance to watch William Saliba during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
In recent seasons, William Saliba has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in world football whilst playing for Arsenal.
And in line with their Galactico transfer policy, that has led to interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid, who are always looking to recruit the world’s best talent.
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Real Madrid are working hard on their central defensive options going forward, even though they recruited Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this summer.
TBR Football understood that Arsenal also wanted to sign Huijsen at the time, a race that was ultimately won by Real.
But with Antonio Rudiger expected to depart the Santiago Bernabeu next summer, Real are on the hunt for a new addition.
Exclusive: Real Madrid watched William Saliba during Arsenal’s draw with Man City
That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Real maintain their interest in Saliba, a player they watched in-person on Sunday.
As things stand, Real are very much looking at the free agent market with Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guehi all potentially available for nothing in 2026.
William Saliba before facing Real Madrid with Arsenal in the Champions League.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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However, it’s understood that Real are not going to sign a player purely because they are available for free – Xabi Alonso’s side are looking for the best option and Saliba is a player they have long admired.
Of course, TBR Football recently revealed that Arsenal are making good progress in contract talks with Saliba.
Along with Bukayo Saka, Arsenal are looking to tie two of their most crucial players to new deals.
But sources close to Real have revealed that Saliba remains a player of huge interest and they are continuing to keep close tabs on him both on and off the pitch.
Cristhian Mosquera wasn’t recruited as William Saliba’s replacement
With that in mind, Real were represented at Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates.
The game likely allowed the Spanish side to check on both Arsenal and Man City as a whole, who could easily prevail as Champions League rivals.
But TBR are also told that Saliba was one of the main focuses of the trip.
Owing to Saliba’s recent injury, Cristhian Mosquera has been filling in for Arsenal to great effect, another excellent young centre-back.
And although Arsenal would be loath to lose Saliba for any kind of fee, Mikel Arteta does finally have adequate backup for the Frenchman.
Martin Keown praised Mosquera after watching his Champions League debut for example, and Saliba should be afforded one or two more rests this season.
But either way, Arsenal will be extremely reluctant to entertain any interest from Real for their star defender.