Real Madrid have reportedly made William Saliba their top defensive target for the upcoming summer transfer window, according to a report from France.
Injuries to centre-backs have been a major concern for Real Madrid in recent seasons. Eder Militao has now suffered two ACL injuries in as many campaigns, while David Alaba’s return to the sidelines after an extended knee issue led manager Carlo Ancelotti to describe the situation as an “emergency.”
With the expected summer departure of Jesus Vallejo, which will leave them with only three senior centre-backs, Madrid is set to bolster their defensive options. RMC Sport reports that the club’s decision-makers have focused their attention on Saliba as their “absolute priority in defence.”
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Saliba has been linked with both Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the past, but Arsenal has never entertained the idea of his departure and are expected to hold firm again. The Gunners are likely to inform Madrid that it will take a record-breaking offer to even consider selling Saliba, whose exit from the Emirates would only be possible if Madrid are willing to make him the most expensive defender in history.
Harry Maguire’s £80m transfer to Manchester United in 2019 remains the record for a defender, and Saliba, whose contract runs until 2027, is expected to command a fee higher than that if he moves this summer.
Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger has praised Saliba as one of the best defenders in the world, expressing his desire to partner with the Frenchman in the future.