"It would be great" - Real Madrid star names Arsenal's William Saliba as the one centre-back he'd like the club to sign
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has openly expressed his admiration for Arsenal’s William Saliba. He named the Frenchman as the one center-back he’d like to see join Los Blancos.
On the Inside Scoop podcast(via @MadridXtra on X), the towering center-back was quizzed about the defender he'd sign at Real Madrid. Rudiger remarked:
“I’m very happy with my CB partner, Militao. He came back from a big injury, he’s getting back to his best."
"But there’s so many games, so we would rotate, so to have Saliba… it would be great.”
Saliba, a standout performer for Arsenal, has impressed with his composed defensive play and ability to read the game. His form in the Premier League has attracted attention from Europe’s elite and Rudiger’s comments could spark further speculation about a possible move to the Spanish giants. The French centre-back has helped the team to five clean sheets in eight appearances across competitions this season.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have been struggling for defensive stability owing to multiple injuries. Even during the summer transfer window, the club was linked to numerous center-back options but couldn't settle on any. However, they are expected to make some defensive reinforcements next summer and William Saliba already has Rudiger's vote of confidence.
Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger heaps praise on Arsenal’s center-back duo - Reports
Furthermore, Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger lavished praise on Arsenal’s center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. He called them the best in the world at their position.
On the Inside Scoop podcast, Rudiger commended their impressive performances over the past two years. He pointed to their crucial role in Arsenal's transformation into Premier League title contenders.
“If you see Arsenal, like the two centre backs who are playing together, they are doing since two years now, they're doing an amazing job,” Rudiger said (via Madrid Zone on X).
“Like the transformation from Arsenal, that was a bit before and now, and those two are the pillar of it.”
Rudiger also highlighted the unique qualities of both defenders, describing Gabriel as the "aggressive leader" and Saliba as a "silent leader" with composure.
“You have with Gabriel the more aggressive leader, and for example, Saliba is, this brother plays clean. No, really, you have to give it to him. You know, he looks like a silent leader,” Rudiger added.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been instrumental in Arsenal's success under Mikel Arteta, forming one of the strongest defensive partnerships in Europe. Last season, the duo anchored a defense that conceded the fewest goals in the league, with just 29 goals.