Reports: Real Madrid prioritising summer move for William Saliba

Real Madrid are going centre-back shopping this summer, and Arsenal's William Saliba is reportedly their 'priority' target.

Saliba has ascended into a venerated realm since Mikel Arteta finally gave him his chance to shine in north London following multiple loan spells away from north London. It didn't take long for the Frenchman to establish himself as one of Europe's best at his position after breaking into Arsenal's first team in 2022, forming a stellar partnership with Gabriel at the heart of the Gunners' defence.

Saliba's back injury infamously hindered the club's title challenge two seasons ago, and he was an ever-present as Arteta's side competed fiercely with Manchester City for the Premier League crown last term.

His sky-high status means any mishaps are thrust under the microscope, and Saliba hasn't enjoyed the cleanest of campaigns. While still outstanding, the Frenchman has been outperformed by his partner. His recent display up against Alexander Isak was perhaps his worst in an Arsenal shirt.

Real Madrid prioritising summer move for William Saliba

Let's hope Florentino Perez were tuned into last week's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Tyneside as Isak bullied Saliba during the Magpies' convincing victory. Never before have we seen a striker shackle the Frenchman to the extent the sensational Swede did last night.

Saliba has garnered a reputation for being ultra serene and capable of outmanouvreing his opponents without breaking a sweat. He's regarded as one of the world's best for a reason, and Madrid love their superstars. Their interest makes sense.

According to RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins, signing Saliba is the Spanish club's 'priority' this summer.

Madrid have two senior centre-backs, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, beyond the age of 30, while Eder Militao has torn his ACL in back-to-back seasons. Their current availability crisis means Carlo Ancelotti may have to deploy Aurelien Tchouameni and young Raul Asencio for the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Manchester City.

Madrid need to rebuild their backline, but it'd require a monster fee for Arsenal to even consider parting ways with Saliba. Los Blancos would surely have to spend a record amount on a defender - more than the £77m Man Utd spent to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester.

Saliba penned a contract extension with the Gunners back in 2023 which expires in 2027. Arsenal don't need to sell, and supporters would be seething if the club entertained a sale given his significance to the project. The 23-year-old, in short, is priceless.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!