While Real Madrid is months behind the summer transfer window, they already have their next big defensive move in place. Their “absolute priority”? Arsenal’s defensive powerhouse, William Saliba. Los Blancos, however, are preparing to test Arsenal’s resolve, but reportedly, the Gunners are not necessarily keen to cash in on their 23-year-old rock at the back.
The fact is, Arsenal being willing to let Saliba leave here was as much a morality tale as it was telling their house in the middle of a thunderstorm with no umbrella. It would be a big blow if Saliba is lost because Mikel Arteta’s men have constructed their defensive stability around him. So, what’s Arsenal’s response? In essence, a “dissuasive price,” known enough that to say it is more or less the equivalent of “If you want him, bring a Brinks truck loaded with gold bars.”.
Breaking Records? Not So Fast!
If Arsenal decides to sell Saliba to Real Madrid, the latter could have to create history. Harry Maguire is still the most expensive defender in football history, having been a regular headline (and meme) maker when he did his wild £78.3 million move from Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019. Yes, you read that right—Maguire.
Will then Saliba be the new record holder? If Madrid wants to spend the bank, it probably will be. Taking into account his age, skill and the ridiculous state of the transfer market (Thanx Saudi Pro League), we wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal required around £90-100 million to pry him away.
Why Saliba is a Must-Have for Real Madrid
With David Alaba’s injury problems and Antonio Rüdiger over 30, the need for a center back last all season is important. Because of Saliba’s composed play, aerial ability and ability to play out from the back, Carlo Ancelotti will think he is a dream signing.
But we all know now that Saliba leaving Arsenal won’t be as easy as swiping right on a dating app; Arsenal will be reluctant to let him go. If Madrid keep kicking down the door, then maybe that deal could be reality. But so far it is more fantasy.
Arsenal’s Stance: Over My Dead Body
Yes, Arsenal hasn’t said that exactly, but their reply is close. The club has no intention of selling Saliba, with the club prepared to play hardball. Madrid would never be able to exploit a release clause for that reason, as they have already signed him up to a long-term contract.
So, what does this mean? However, if Madrid do want him, they’ll have to negotiate, and, due to Arsenal’s aim, they’ll only accept an offer so ridiculous that even Todd Boehly would shudder.
What If Saliba Leaves? The Fallout for Arsenal
Losing Saliba would be equivalent to having your WiFi go out mid-way through one of those marathon Netflix sessions, infuriating, debilitating, and that absolutely can be avoided. With him it would be shaky at the back with even a player of his quality to replace would cost every bit of what Madrid could pay for him.
It’s true Arsenal has Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, and promising young Jakub Kiwior, but there’s none with the same level of calmness, leadership and defensive IQ as Saliba. In short, the sale of him could rupture Arsenal’s defensive integrity.
My Take on the Saliba Situation
As the man who likes a bit of football transfer drama, this Saliba saga is riveting. But Arsenal would be downright foolish to let him go and his perfect sense of making sense of Real Madrid’s interest. And they’re in the midst of a title challenge, with fairing their defense at this point being close to pointless, like bringing a fork to a soup eating contest.
Arsenal would give him an ï¿¥120 million price tag just to scare Madrid away. But if actually, will Madrid pay that? Fair play; use it to buy two world-class defenders and a luxury yacht for a helping.
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