When it comes to building a rock-solid defense, Real Madrid knows exactly what they need.

And right now, their eyes are firmly set on Arsenal’s William Saliba as their top priority for the summer transfer window.

Saliba’s Rise to Defensive Stardom

Over the past few seasons, Saliba has cemented his status as one of the finest defenders in the world.

His performances have been nothing short of exceptional, earning him a place in the prestigious 2024 FIFA The Best World XI.

It’s no wonder top European clubs, including Madrid, have been keeping a close watch on him for quite some time.

Madrid’s Urgent Need for Defensive Reinforcements

With their defense in need of reinforcements, Madrid is now intensifying their pursuit of Saliba.

According to RMC Sport, the Spanish giants believe he possesses all the attributes required to strengthen their backline.

However, prying him away from Arsenal won’t be an easy task.

Arsenal’s Stance: A Tough Negotiation Ahead

Arsenal are well aware of Saliba’s importance and have no intention of letting him go without a fight.

The French defender, who signed a lucrative contract worth around £10 million per season last year, will have just two years remaining on his deal by the summer.

With no automatic extension clause in place, this could make negotiations interesting.

Reports suggest that Arsenal consider Saliba the best defender in the world, and any potential deal would have to reflect that status.

If Madrid want him, they’ll need to break the bank, making him the highest-paid defender in history.

A Key Player in Arsenal’s Dominant Defense

Since 2022, Saliba has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, playing a crucial role in making them the Premier League’s most solid defensive unit.

Last season, he didn’t miss a single minute, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel at the heart of the defense.

This campaign has been no different, as Arsenal continue to boast one of the league’s most watertight backlines.

Madrid’s History of Interest in Saliba

Madrid’s admiration for Saliba isn’t new.

The Spanish club had already identified him as a top prospect back in the 2021-22 season when he impressed on loan at Marseille.

However, with Arsenal securing his services long-term, Madrid have had to play the waiting game.

Madrid’s Transfer Strategy: Big Spending or Smart Deals?

While Madrid haven’t splashed huge sums on defenders in recent years—their last major defensive signing being Ferland Mendy for £47 million in 2019—they have found success in securing top talent on free transfers.

The arrivals of Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea and David Alaba from Bayern Munich are prime examples.

This summer, they could follow a similar approach with Trent Alexander-Arnold, but with Saliba, a hefty transfer fee would be unavoidable.

What’s Next?

With the summer transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on Madrid’s next move.

Will they make an irresistible offer for Saliba, or will Arsenal stand firm and keep their defensive leader?

One thing is certain—this saga is far from over.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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