William Saliba: Real Madrid given hope in Arsenal transfer battle | OneFootball

Real Madrid successfully signing Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has been described as "feasible but very difficult", with the Frenchman a longstanding transfer target for the Spanish giants.

Saliba has been a revelation since finally getting his Arsenal break in 2022, quickly establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the world – his injury-stricken end to 2022/23 was arguably what cost the Gunners that season's Premier League title.

Madrid are in the market for a centre-back this summer, having missed out on Leny Yoro last year after refusing to match Manchester United's huge offer to Lille and struggling with injuries of varying severity to Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger at different points.

Despite their reputation, Madrid don't have unlimited transfer resources and have hardly spent any money on central defenders over the past 15 years. That is realistically what makes landing Saliba tough, because it is claimed the player would be interested.

Amid links with Ibrahima Konate, Castello Lukeba and others in recent months, L'Equipe claim that Saliba is the "priority" for Madrid and that an approach in either 2025 or 2026 is the ideal plan.

Madrid could sell themselves on the fact that Saliba would be the long-term defensive leader in the squad, as well as linking up with compatriot and close friend Kylian Mbappe at club level.

L'Equipe adds that Saliba remains committed to Arsenal, but Madrid is considered the only club in the world that could tempt him away, as it is still seen as the pinnacle of club football. Reassuringly for Arsenal fans, the defender reportedly would never want an exit to come from "conflict" with the Premier League side.

The Gunners have offered a new contract, but the situation is an interesting one to keep an eye on as Saliba will shortly enter the final two years of his current deal. If it gets to 2026 and no new agreement has been struck, Arsenal may have to consider their position, having just witnessed Liverpool lose Trent Alexander-Arnold as a free agent in similar circumstances.