The summer transfer window is shaping up to be a battleground, with Real Madrid setting their sights on Arsenal’s defensive linchpin, William Saliba. The Spanish giants, under the incoming leadership of manager Xabi Alonso, have made the 24-year-old French centre-back their top priority to bolster a backline plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Club president Florentino Perez has reportedly delivered a clear message to Alonso about the feasibility of luring Saliba from the Emirates, sparking intrigue about whether the “Jude Bellingham of defenders” will don the iconic white of Madrid. “Real Madrid have told Xabi Alonso they will sign William Saliba from Arsenal,” an insider claimed, igniting speculation about a blockbuster move.
Saliba’s meteoric rise at Arsenal has made him one of the Premier League’s premier defenders. Since cementing his place in Mikel Arteta’s squad, the France international has been a cornerstone of the Gunners’ transformation into title contenders, his composure, ball-playing ability, and physicality earning him accolades. “He’s so happy here, he wants to continue with us,” Arteta insisted recently, reflecting the club’s desperation to fend off Madrid’s advances. Yet, with Saliba’s contract entering its final two years by summer 2025, Real Madrid see an opportunity to capitalize on his situation, especially as Arsenal face another trophyless season. The La Liga club’s recruitment team views Saliba as a generational talent, with one report dubbing him “the highest level attainable” for their defensive rebuild.
Madrid’s interest is driven by necessity. With David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Eder Militao grappling with fitness issues, and Andriy Lunin potentially departing, the club is planning a defensive overhaul. Saliba tops their wishlist, but Arsenal have slapped a staggering £120 million price tag on their star, a figure that could set a world record for a defender. “Arsenal will only consider Saliba’s exit for an astronomical fee,” a source noted, highlighting the Gunners’ reluctance to weaken their squad. Despite this, Madrid’s history of public pursuits—seen with Kylian Mbappe—suggests they’re prepared to play the long game, potentially waiting until 2026 or 2027 when Saliba’s contract nears its end.
Complicating matters, Saliba’s heart may be with Madrid. Reports indicate he views the Bernabeu as the pinnacle, with one insider stating, “Saliba shares a special bond with Real Madrid.” However, the defender has expressed loyalty to Arsenal, where he’s been since 2019, saying in March, “I’m really happy here. I want to win big things with Arsenal.” Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is countering Madrid’s charm offensive by ramping up contract talks, aiming to secure Saliba with a lucrative extension. “Arsenal have opened talks with Saliba over a new contract,” a report confirmed, noting Berta’s familiarity with Madrid’s tactics from his Atletico Madrid days.
The stakes are high for both clubs. For Madrid, signing Saliba would signal Alonso’s intent to restore their dominance after a trophyless 2024-25 season. Alongside confirmed arrival Trent Alexander-Arnold and interest in Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, Saliba could anchor their defense for a decade. For Arsenal, losing Saliba would be catastrophic, undermining their Premier League ambitions. Arteta’s squad is already stretched, and Berta is reportedly eyeing Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera as a potential replacement, with a £17 million bid in the works. “Arsenal are plotting a bid to capture Mosquera as they prepare for the possible departure of Saliba,” an insider revealed.
Adding intrigue, recent chatter suggests Madrid may pivot to Huijsen, whose £50 million release clause is more attainable. “Real Madrid have given up on pursuing William Saliba this summer,” a post on X claimed, citing a shift toward the Bournemouth star. Yet, Perez’s direct assurance to Alonso indicates Saliba remains the dream target, with negotiations ongoing. Saliba’s stance is pivotal—he’s reportedly unwilling to force an exit, prioritizing a harmonious departure if it comes to that. “Saliba will not look to force an Arsenal exit this summer,” a source noted, giving Arsenal hope.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the football world watches closely. Will Saliba succumb to Madrid’s allure, or will Arsenal’s resolve and Berta’s savvy keep their defensive maestro in north London? With Alonso’s vision and Perez’s ambition driving Madrid’s pursuit, and Arteta’s faith in Saliba anchoring Arsenal’s future, this battle promises to define the summer window.