Real Madrid’s search for defensive reinforcements has been a carefully planned effort to maintain their dominance in European football. The club had initially set its sights on Leny Yoro as a potential replacement following Nacho Fernandez’s departure. However, with the young French defender choosing Manchester United instead, Real Madrid was forced to reconsider its options and rethink its defensive strategy.
The emergence of Raul Asencio has come as a significant boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, particularly amid ongoing injury concerns in defense. Antonio Rudiger has remained the only consistent presence at the back, while both David Alaba and Eder Militao have faced prolonged injury layoffs. This situation has led Real Madrid to reconsider the urgency of signing a center-back, with reports suggesting they may wait until they identify the ideal candidate.
Despite this cautious stance, Real Madrid continues to closely monitor the market for top-tier defensive talents. The club maintains a strict policy of only signing players who will significantly strengthen the squad. With Rudiger and Alaba both in their thirties and Militao recovering from a second cruciate ligament injury, the need for a world-class center-back remains pressing.
One name that has repeatedly been linked with Real Madrid is Arsenal’s William Saliba. The French international has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top defenders, and the Spanish giants regard him as a generational talent. They view him as the defensive equivalent of Jude Bellingham—someone worth making a significant investment in for the future.
According to football insider Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid has been closely monitoring Saliba’s performances at Arsenal. Scouts from the club have regularly attended Arsenal matches to assess his defensive qualities, composure on the ball, and leadership skills. However, despite Real Madrid’s interest, signing him will be a formidable challenge.
Saliba has shown no inclination to leave Arsenal in the near future. He has expressed satisfaction with life at the club and his commitment to Mikel Arteta’s project. Arsenal, for their part, are determined to retain their defensive star and are unlikely to entertain any transfer negotiations in the immediate future.
A key factor in any potential transfer will be Saliba’s contract status. He is currently under contract with Arsenal until 2027, giving the club significant leverage in negotiations. While there are no ongoing renewal talks at the moment, Real Madrid could seize an opportunity if the situation remains unresolved in the coming years.
Reports from Spain indicate that Real Madrid is eyeing a potential move for Saliba in the summer of 2026. If his contract remains unextended, the club may attempt to sign him at a reduced price, using a strategy they have successfully employed with other elite players in the past. However, Arsenal is expected to fight hard to retain him, setting the stage for a long-term transfer battle between the two clubs.
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