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Real Madrid love a huge signing, and Arsenal talisman William Saliba would certainly fit that billing.
The Spanish sporting behemoths are already looking ahead to the next few transfer windows, and reports in France claim that’s bad news for Mikel Arteta.
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RMC Sport insider Fabrice Hawkins has declared that Saliba is an ‘absolute priority’ for Los Blancos going forwards.
He also adds that Madrid’s stance on selling Vinicius Jr to the Saudi Pro League for a world-record fee is softening, which would dramatically fill up the club’s bank account.
And they would need that financial boost too - given that the report claims Arsenal would only let Saliba go if he was to become the most expensive defender in history.
That honour is currently held by Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, who left Leicester for £80million in 2019.
Arsenal will have every right to demand such a figure too, given that Saliba’s contract lasts until 2027.
The 23-year-old joined the Gunners in 2019 from Saint-Etienne, but spent the first three seasons of his deal back on loan in France.
During his spell at St-Etienne, Nice and Marseille, he crafted a reputation as one of the game’s best up-and-coming defenders.
He’s since fulfilled that potential in north London, helping Arteta’s side challenge for the Premier League in three consecutive seasons.
While he’s also now an integral player for France's senior side - playing every minute for Les Bleus at Euro 2024.
Madrid, meanwhile, have been dogged by centre back issues all season with Eder Militao and David Alaba both dealing with ACL tears.
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That has left Antonio Rudiger as their only reliable option in the heart of defence, and Aurelien Tchouameni getting booed by fans when dropping in from midfield.
Rudiger, Alaba and Militao would undoubtedly be a world class tandem, but Alaba’s issue caused plenty of concern, keeping him out of action for almost a year, and he’s now injured again after just four appearances since returning.
Militao has similarly torn ligaments in each knee in back-to-back injuries, leaving Carlo Ancelotti relying on academy graduate Raul Asencio.
Elsewhere, RMC’s report claims that a Vinicius Jr sale would bring Erling Haaland back into focus, but his new nine-year Manchester City contract complicates matters.
The club still look to make blockbuster additions elsewhere, though, with Liverpool vice captain and impending free agent Trent Alexander-Arnold heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital.
It has also been said that Rodrygo looks set to remain at Real, despite interest from Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
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