Real Madrid have reportedly made a key Arsenal star their top summer target.
It’s no secret that Los Blancos is preparing for a raid from the Premier League’s best talents, who have been linked to several players in recent months.
They have reportedly increased their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold this month, while Rodri’s signature is seen as an ambitious target.
In September, The independent reported that Cristian Romero and William Saliba were included in their four-man shortlist in addition to those names.
And now French outlet Le10Sport have claimed Saliba has been elevated to their top priority, with Madrid already putting out feelers to his camp.
Real Madrid have reportedly made Arsenal defender William Saliba their top summer target
Saliba, together with centre-back Gabriel, formed the backbone of Arsenal’s defence
According to Le10SportCarlo Ancelotti’s side are about to launch a ‘major operation’ to lure the defender to the Spanish capital.
Saliba has been a linchpin in Arsenal’s backline since 2022, playing every minute in the Premier League’s most watertight defense during the 2023/2024 season.
This season has been no different and his partnership with Gabriel is, for some, the most enviable in world football.
Madrid have long admired Saliba as he was named as part of a group of suitors in the 2021/22 season while he impressed on loan at Marseille.
Last year he signed a new contract with the Emirates until 2027, reportedly worth around £10 million per season.
It is therefore reasonable to assume that Arsenal would not transfer him without a fight and convincing financial persuasion.
Madrid haven’t spent money on a defender in years. Their last big spend at the back was for Lyon left-back Ferland Mendy in 2019, when they earned around £47 million. Air sports.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of four Premier League stars reportedly targeted by Madrid
Rodri is also reportedly one of the players Real Madrid would like to sign next summer
They have had success on the free market, signing stars such as Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea and David Alaba from Bayern Munich, and it could be the same with Alexander-Arnold this summer.
Their search for Saliba suggests they are willing to break with that recent tradition.