Real Madrid set their sights on £80m rated Arsenal superstar, Ancelotti is a big fan: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal star William Saliba this summer. Several European giants are monitoring the French defender who continues to impress at the Emirates.
Caught Offside reports Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all keeping tabs on Saliba. The 23-year-old has been a stalwart at the back for Mikel Arteta's side this season.
Saliba has helped Arsenal keep 20 clean sheets in 49 games across competitions while chipping in with two goals and one assist. He's forged arguably the strongest centre-back partnership in the Premier League with Gabriel Magalhaes.
Real Madrid are set to pursue a central defender signing this summer as Nacho Fernandez is departing. Saliba fits the bill with his pace, dominance in aerial duels, and composure on the ball.
Carlo Ancelotti is said to appreciate the 13-cap France international. The Italian coach has 'asked Madrid if they can look at signing Saliba', per Now Arsenal.
Saliba has three years left on his contract having arrived at Arsenal in July 2019. The Gunners don't want to sell one of their star men and thus have placed an £80 million (€100 million price tag) on him.
The north Londoners want the young defender to extend his stay at the Emirates. They'll be eager to stave off interest from some of Europe's top guns this summer.
Real Madrid and Arsenal reportedly could battle it out for Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong is another defender on Real Madrid's summer transfer wishlist. The Dutch right-back has garnered interest from Los Blancos, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.
BILD (via 90min) reports that Frimpong, 23, is leaning towards leaving the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions this summer. He's been in electric form under Xabi Alonso this season, posting 14 goals and 12 assists in 44 games across competitions.
Frimpong has a £34 million release clause which is a bargain given his excellent ongoing campaign. He's expected to decide his future before heading off for this summer's European Championships with the Netherlands.
Real Madrid could view Frimpong as Dani Carvajal's long-term replacement. The Spaniard is now 32 and although he has impressed this season, he'll need replacing eventually. Ancelotti may desire a pacier full-back to play behind the likes of Rodrygo.
Arteta has Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu interchanging at right-back but could be after a more prolific full-back. The Spaniard is set to make alterations to his squad this summer after a closely-fought title race with City.