Real Madrid identify Arsenal superstar as top priority target, ready to pay 'whatever price' to convince Gunners to sell him - Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly targeting Arsenal defender William Saliba to improve their defense ahead of next season. The Frenchman is seen as the future of Los Blancos' defensive line-up.
As per french outlet Le10Sport, the 15-time European champions have identified the France international as the man to lead their defensive overhaul. Real Madrid are currently dealing with defensive issues and with their current central defenders aging, the club are looking at a succession plan.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti currently has Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and David Alaba as options in the centre of defense with Jesus Vallejo as a backup. However, they are keen on adding quality to the backline and improving their squad depth. Moreover, Alaba is currently recovering from an ACL injury he suffered last year.
The aforementioned report by journalist Alexis Bernard adds that Real Madrid are ready to pay whatever it takes to sign the Arsenal superstar. He also reports that the LaLiga side have initiated contact with the 23-year-old's entourage, laying the groundwork for the move next summer.
The deal would be difficult for the LaLiga side to pull off with Saliba considered the anchor of the side by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The Frenchman has made 92 appearances for the Gunners since signing from Saint-Etienne as an 18-year-old back in 2019 for a reported fee of £27 million.
Antonio Rudiger calls for Real Madrid to sign the Arsenal defender
Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger is a big fan of William Saliba. The former Premier League star spoke glowingly about the French defender in a podcast recently.
The 31-year-old German defender was asked to name his top three defenders on The Inside Scoop podcast. He named the Gunners' defensive duo alongside Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk.
"In no particular order, I would say William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel Magalhaes," he said.
"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," he added.
The Merengues' centre-back highlighted how Gabriel and Saliba complement each other, saying:
"Like the transformation from Arsenal, that was a bit before and now, and those two are the pillar of it. 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."
The Germany international also teased the Gunners' fans. He said that if Saliba keeps on performing the way he is, the 'Real Madrid knock' could be difficult for the Frenchman to ignore.