Report: Real Madrid’s Saliba Interest Grow Ahead Of The Summer Transfer Window | OneFootball

Madrid’s Transfer Chessboard: Griezmann, Saliba, and Premier League Links

Griezmann’s Next Chapter in MLS

Antoine Griezmann’s time at Atlético Madrid could be drawing to a close suggest reports from Revelo, with a decisive meeting scheduled for March to settle his future. The Frenchman’s connection with the club runs deep, with a relationship built on mutual respect. However, for family reasons, Griezmann is reportedly leaning towards a move to Major League Soccer, specifically to Los Angeles FC, the club that already houses Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud.

“Negotiations for Griezmann at Los Angeles FC are advanced, but first, the final formal steps will have to be taken with Atlético to confirm the Frenchman’s move.”

Griezmann remains a vital piece of Diego Simeone’s squad, and until the very last second of his Atlético career, he will give everything for the red and white shirt. His departure, though, would be seismic, marking the end of an era where he has been both a talisman and an embodiment of Atlético’s battling spirit.

Photo IMAGO

Real Madrid’s Defensive Overhaul

On the other side of the Madrid divide, Real Madrid are eyeing significant defensive reinforcements this summer. With the imminent departure of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, the club is shifting focus to strengthening their backline. Arsenal’s William Saliba has emerged as the standout target.

Photo: IMAGO

“This isn’t an easy solution, a negotiation that will have a foregone conclusion because the English club will do everything possible to retain the French defender, but Real Madrid will make a concrete attempt to sign him.”

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are highly unlikely to entertain any negotiations for Saliba, a defender they see as integral to their future. However, Real Madrid’s financial muscle and persuasive power have unsettled bigger clubs before, and if they come knocking with an offer that turns Saliba’s head, Arsenal will have a major fight on their hands.

Adding intrigue to Real Madrid’s recruitment drive is the anticipated appointment of Andrea Berta, who is expected to be confirmed as the club’s new sporting director next week. His expertise, particularly in securing high-profile defensive signings, could be pivotal in reshaping Madrid’s backline.

Premier League Interest in La Liga Talent

Beyond the big two in Madrid, movement across Europe is already in motion. A Spanish agent recently visited England, reportedly holding discussions with multiple Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Everton. The trip involved talks over several La Liga players, including PSG’s Kang-in Lee, Betis’ Abde, Valencia’s Javi Guerra, Barcelona’s Iñaki Peña, and Real Madrid’s Jesús Fortea.

“We will understand together in the coming months whether this trip might have led to any conversations in the summer transfer market.”

Manchester United’s ongoing rebuild could see them explore these La Liga prospects as they attempt to bolster their midfield and attacking options, while Aston Villa and Everton may view this as an opportunity to bring in high-potential talent at relatively reasonable fees.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi has emerged as a defensive target, with Spanish clubs closely monitoring his situation. His contract runs until 2026, but by June, he is expected to be one of the hot names in the market.

Contract Stalemates and Free Agents to Watch

Kiko Femenía’s contract extension with Villarreal remains unresolved despite progress in discussions. Talks have stalled, with further negotiations scheduled for April. Meanwhile, FC Famalicão’s Albanian-Greek midfielder Enea Mihaj is another player who could be available for free in the summer, with Girona, Rayo Vallecano, and Celta de Vigo keeping a close watch on his situation.

These unresolved contract situations highlight the changing landscape of football, where even mid-tier clubs across Europe must navigate the delicate balance of keeping their key players and remaining financially sustainable.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excited – The Premier League transfer scene is already buzzing with speculation, and Real Madrid’s pursuit of Saliba adds another fascinating dimension to the summer window. Arsenal fans will be on edge, knowing the Spanish giants do not give up easily once they set their sights on a player. Could Saliba follow in the footsteps of other stars who were tempted away by Madrid’s lure? It’s a worrying thought for Gunners fans.

Sceptical – Griezmann’s move to MLS makes sense on paper, but there is always a degree of hesitation when a European football icon takes that step. His departure would mark the end of an Atlético era, but whether MLS is the right challenge at this stage of his career remains debatable.

Expectant – Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Everton fans will be eager to see whether their clubs can capitalise on La Liga’s emerging talent. The agent’s visit to England could be a signal of deals in the making. With midfield reinforcements and young stars in the mix, the summer could be a defining moment for these clubs.

With all these moving pieces in the transfer puzzle, one thing is certain—this summer promises plenty of drama.