One of the problems for Real Madrid this season has been in defense. The back line has been a real headache for Ancelotti given the constant injuries and poor performance of several of his players, which has meant that the Whites have been leaking goals at the back for some time now.
The 3-0 defeat in the Champions League against Arsenal highlights Real Madrid’s weaknesses at the back. Two of the goals came from set pieces with a defense that provoked fouls in trouble spots that then ended up in goals. In addition, poorly placed barriers and several of those players moving away at the crucial moment of the throw have made life very difficult for a Real Madrid that this Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu will look for a miracle to stay alive in their favorite competition.
Ease of conceding
The leaky back line has been a constant this season and came close to leaving Real Madrid without the longed-for Copa del Rey final in the match against Real Sociedad in which the Whites conceded 4 goals at home. This means that Madrid conceded a goal for the seventh consecutive game, something that had not happened since November 2020.
And it’s not a temporary slump, it’s been a constant for the Whites. The numbers for the season are alarming. Last season they conceded 50 goals in 55 games, now they have conceded 65 goals in the 52 games played by the Whites.
Of the last 18 games, Madrid have only kept three clean sheets, two of them consecutive: against Girona and in the first leg of the cup against Real; and this weekend against Deportivo Alavés. A difficult run in which Carlo Ancelotti has had to deal with many absences.
Real Madrid want William Saliba
With this in mind, it is not surprising that the Whites are considering reinforcing their defense, where there is one name written in red on the agenda. In recent months, Real Madrid have reportedly been targeting Saliba for their defense. Of course, for the footballer to leave the Emirates Stadium, a very large financial offer would have to be made, one that would make him the most expensive central defender in history. Real Madrid like Saliba, but it would not be a short-term operation.
Fabrizio Romano has indicated in recent weeks that the Chamartín club have not, for the moment, taken any steps to recruit the Arsenal defender. : “Real Madrid like Saliba, we mentioned it; but there is nothing more to say at the moment. There are no talks or negotiations, he is a key player for Arsenal and nothing is really happening apart from appreciating one of the best defenders in the world”.
The offer being prepared by Real Madrid
According to the media outlet Caught Offside, Real Madrid are preparing an interesting offer for William Saliba. As indicated by this media outlet, knowing that his contract ends in 2027 and his great role in the London team, there is talk of €100 million as a starting point. A significant sum of money, no doubt, so it is a high amount to open the bid.
A very high amount that has led many to think that Real Madrid will choose to wait before signing the player. According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, it is very unlikely that Real Madrid will be able to sign Saliba in the next summer transfer window given the high amount they would have to pay for the player.