Real Madrid want to sign Arsenal superstar as part of Premier League raid

We've only just put the 2024 summer transfer window in the rearview mirror, yet we're already seeing reports regarding future windows and the potential activities of the game's supergiants.

In William Saliba, Arsenal boast an asset that every club in world football wished they'd gotten their hands on. The Gunners swooped under Unai Emery in 2019 to bring him in from St. Etienne in a £27m deal, but it wouldn't be until 2022 when Saliba made his debut in north London.

Transfermarkt now value the Arsenal defender at €80m following a pair of exceptional seasons with the Gunners. However, if the club were to ever consider parting ways with Saliba in the near-ish future, they'd demand a fee well in excess of £100m.

Real Madrid may well tempt the French international and test Arsenal's resolve next summer.

Real Madrid targeting William Saliba as part of ambitious transfer plan

Saliba already ranks among the world's best centre-backs and it's no surprise that he's caught Madrid's eye. According to the Independent's Miguel Delaney, Saliba could be part of a high-profile Premier League raid the grand Spanish club are planning to conduct next summer.

Madrid's optimistic plan also involved Manchester City lynchpin Rodri and revolutionary right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. Tottenham's Cristian Romero is also of interest, with Delaney speculating that they'll target either Romero or Saliba in 2025.

The club's 'financial realignment', as the report states, over the past five years is set to facilitate a big spend next summer, with Madrid requiring bucket loads of cash if they're to even attempt to go through with their supposed plan.

The Champions League holders, of course, acquired Kylian Mbappe in the summer and are set to turn to the Premier League's best to usher in a new dawn at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Saliba is said to be Madrid's priority target with Antonio Rudiger the wrong side of 30 and the club potentially requiring a long-term successor. Eder Militao and David Alaba both sustained ACL injuries in 2023, and neither player has been able to lock down a stable role alongside the German.

Arsenal's likely demands and Saliba's contentment in north London renders a move unlikely, with Romero regarded as a secondary option. And hey, Real, I've always said 'Cuti' is the better player. I'd be all over him if I were you. Wink. Wink.

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