Real Madrid decide Saliba is their number one target after UCL humbling

Real Madrid are reportedly targetting a trio of Premier League stars including Arsenal defender William Saliba in a summer swoop.

Arsenal humbled Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals with the French centre-back playing every minute in both legs and he has caught the eye of the Spanish giants.

Madrid have endured a disappointing season, which looks set to be trophyless, after last season's La Liga and Champions League successes.

They were dumped out of Europe by Mikel Arteta's side and lost last weekend's Copa del Rey final to Barcelona in dramatic circumstances.

They also sit four points behind their fierce El Clasico rivals in the league, with just five fixtures remaining, while key defender Antonio Rudiger could face a ban of up to 12 games after chucking ice at a referee.

Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti appears destined to end his second stint with the club and join Brazil ahead of their 2026 World Cup campaign.

Los Blancos will look to bolster their squad in the summer, with Madrid making Saliba their number one target, according to Marca.

He has gained a reputation as one of the world's best defenders in recent seasons and was included in the 2024 FIFA The Best World XI.

Saliba will have just two years left on his deal at the Emirates by the summer, with no in-built option to extend it.

He only signed the new contract last season, worth around £10million per season.

The 24-year-old has been a lynchpin of the Arsenal back line since 2022.

He played every minute of the 2023-24 campaign in the Premier League's most watertight defence.

This season has been no different and he has featured in all but two of Arsenal's Premier League fixtures.

Madrid have long admired Saliba, having been named as part of a group of suitors in the 2021-22 season while he was impressing on loan at Marseille.

Madrid have not splashed out on a defender for years.

Their last major outlay at the back was for left-back Ferland Mendy from Lyon in 2019, when they forked out around £47m.

They have had success in the free market bringing in stars such as Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea and David Alaba from Bayern Munich, and it could be the same with Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.

They are also reportedly interested in bringing midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to the Spanish capital, with Real Sociedad target Martin Zubimendi believed to favour a move to the Emirates.

The Liverpool star has played a crucial role as the Reds wrapped up the Premier League title this season, featuring in all but one of their league fixtures.

The Argentine will be difficult to prise away from Anfield, where he is contracted until 2028.

Newcastle's Tonali is another name linked with Madrid, who will need to find a long-term replacement for 39-year-old Luka Modric, with the Croatian out of contract next season.

The Italian international has impressed for Eddie Howe's side this season after returning from his 10-month betting ban.