Real Madrid are planning a significant overhaul of their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season, and Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has emerged as a potential transfer target. With Carlo Ancelotti likely to leave his post at the end of the current campaign and Xabi Alonso tipped to take the reins, the club is preparing for a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Defensive reinforcements are high on the agenda. Both Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are recovering from serious ACL injuries, and Antonio Rudiger has recently undergone surgery. Additionally, uncertainty surrounds David Alaba’s future with the team. Real Madrid are also nearing an agreement to bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a free transfer.
Saliba remains central to Arsenal’s plans
The French international has reportedly caught the attention of the Spanish giants in recent months. Although his contract at Arsenal runs until 2027, the club is actively working on extending his stay even further. Manager Mikel Arteta considers the 23-year-old a vital component of his defensive unit, especially his strong pairing with Gabriel Magalhaes.
Real Madrid may be reluctant to meet the current valuation of €80 million and instead seem to be shifting toward signing top players without transfer fees but with high wages. This approach may delay any immediate move for Saliba, leaving open the possibility of a future approach rather than a quick deal.
Arteta confident of Saliba’s commitment
Mikel Arteta has downplayed any immediate concerns over losing Saliba, stating that the player is content in North London. He emphasized that discussions regarding contracts fall under the responsibilities of the club’s management team. According to Arteta, Saliba has expressed a desire to remain at Arsenal, and the manager is optimistic that the player sees his future at the Emirates Stadium.
“Talks like this are for the club to handle,” Arteta commented, as quoted by ESPN. “But after speaking with him, I know he’s very happy here and wants to continue with us. These things take time, but I believe this is where he wants to be.”
