To talk about Real Madrid and signings is to talk about football stars, galácticos and many, many millions. Or at least that was the case before, now Florentino is finding it harder to open his wallet and not because of a lack of money, but because he prefers to wait and get players who want to wear the white shirt at zero cost, as happened with Mbappé. For this reason, the Whites did not sign anyone in the winter transfer window, despite the fact that their battered defense could have used some reinforcements.
And the fact is that Carlo Ancelotti’s side have struggled at the back this season. From the outset they have been without Carvajal and Eder Militao for long periods. In recent weeks they have been joined by the likes of Lucas Vázquez, Alaba and Rüdiger, who are already finalizing their return. The Italian coach asked mainly for a right back and, precisely because he did not want to bid more than necessary, Florentino Pérez preferred to wait until the summer to sign Alexander Arnold.
The player will, in principle, arrive in the summer, but he will not be the only reinforcement that Real Madrid intends to make in their defensive line. Given what has happened this season, and with the planned departure of Vallejo, whose contract is coming to an end, the Whites will go to the market looking for a guaranteed player for the center of the defense. There are many names that are being linked with the merengues, but there is a clear favorite for the position: William Saliba.
Real Madrid want him
According to the French media outlet RMC a few days ago, Real Madrid are targeting Saliba for their defense next season. The same media outlet also makes it clear that Arsenal will do everything possible to retain the footballer with whom they are already in talks to try to finalize his renewal as his contract expires in 2027. In addition, ‘RMC Sport’ also points out in its report that for the footballer to leave the Emirates Stadium, a very large financial offer would have to be made, which would make him the most expensive central defender in history.
In that sense, Mario Cortegana, a journalist for The Athletic, points out that it will be a complicated negotiation. “Real Madrid like Saliba, but I don’t see it being completely done. Why? Firstly, because it would cost a lot of money, and you can see the line the white club is taking; and secondly, because he renewed in 2023 until 2027”.
Real Madrid’s strategy
The Athletic journalist is clear about what Real Madrid’s strategy will be, which will be no different to the one followed with Mbappé or the one that is now expected to be applied with Arnold. “If you go and ask Arsenal now, they’ll ask for 80 or 100 million euros… If Sali Ba doesn’t renew (he has a contract until 2027), I’m sure Real Madrid could be out there sowing the seeds, because he’d be 26-27 years old and could arrive in very good situations if he doesn’t renew. But, for the moment, in the short or medium term, I don’t see him signing,” the journalist pointed out.
Of course, by 2027, when he is 25, his market value could increase considerably, going from 80 to over 100 million euros.
Why do people like Saliba?
Fabrizio Romano has also pointed to Saliba as the favorite center back that Florentino Pérez has on his agenda. The transfer expert was categorical: “Real Madrid really like William Saliba and see him as a superstar. They consider him the ‘Jude Bellingham of defenders’”. Why? Because of his ability on the ball, his calmness under pressure, his physical presence with a height that makes him good in the air, his speed and his youth, which means they can wait to bring him in at zero cost.
Saliba’s future at Arsenal
Arsenal are not planning on letting Saliba leave easily. He signed a contract extension until 2027, and his market value is estimated at $85 million. Given his importance to Mikel Arteta’s team, any deal would require a massive fee and convincing the player to leave a project where he is a cornerstone.