William Saliba can become the most expensive defender in history. Real Madrid consider him as an absolute priority.
William Saliba is the no.1 transfer target this summer for Real
The Arsenal defender could reportedly be the most expensive defender in the football history. He has been named as the absolute priority at Real Madrid.
The Frenchman came to Emirates from Saint-Etienne in 2019. Three seasons ago, he was not seen as a good fit in the first team. He then joined Ligue 1 side Marseille on loan.
He has helped them in finishing second in the Premier League twice. And now he grabbed eyes from the La Liga giants.
The Los Blancos and the defender has been linked to a move for a while now. As per RMC Sport, he has now become the absolute priority. The club is facing defensive issues after injuries to vital players.
Arsenal are expected to shut the door for sale for one of their best players. If they want to sell, they would be asking for a huge, off-putting price.
The centre-back from France has a contract that runs until 2027. The Gunners will certainly try to avoid their move with a huge price tag, however.
Thus, the English side will aim to retain him, particularly if Saliba wishes to remain.
William Saliba to be a world-record signing
As per reports, the time when his sale happens would be an event for the history books. Saliba will likely become the most expensive defender in history.
Harry Maguire holds that title currently. He joined Man Utd from Leicester City for ยฃ80 million. Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol being the second most expensive defender in history. He was signed for almost ยฃ78 million from RB Leipzig in 2023.
As such, unlike Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, they would be making huge profits through sales.
The transfer fee is not clear yet. But a deal for one of the best player’s between two top teams in the world, is surely to be a big one. The move is already being said as the world-record one if it happens,
The rumours also have that Real are interested in Erling Halaand. Although his long-term contract with City will keep him away from the market for quite some time.
Additionally, it’s believed there’s a clause in Halaand’s contract about his sale. If Man City fail to give Champions League football next season, they would let him go for a certain fee. The Premier League champions are now in the fifth place this season. If they managed to stay there that would be enough this season.
Madrid facing defender crisis
Real Madrid were frustrated by centre-back issues all campaign. Eder Militao and David Alaba both recovering from ACL injuries.
With that, Antonio Rudiger is the only senior player option in the heart of the defence. Aurelien Tchouameni is facing criticism by fans when he drops in from midfield.
Rudiger, Alaba and Militao are an impressive centre-back trio. But Alaba’s injury caused a lot of concern. He was out for almost a year. And now he’s picked up another injury. He only played four games since returning.
Militao has torn ligaments in each knee in back-to-back tears. That has left Carlo Ancelotti in playing academy graduate Raul Asencio. Now Asencio has become a fan favourite.
Author’s Opinion
William Saliba’s potential move to the Bernabeu would be considered as a great deal for Madrid.
Arsenal are surely not willing to let their best player leave. With the Gunners fighting for silverware, they wouldn’t let go off their star defender that easily.
Let’s see if Real Madrid can make the world-record deal happen in the future.
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