Real Madrid receive positive response from Arsenal star over interest

Real Madrid have two of their top three central defenders in their thirties, and the third out for the season with a second cruciate ligament injury in the last two years. Although local media say that it is not a priority position for next summer, Los Blancos are perusing the market for potential options.

One of the players they like is Arsenal defender William Saliba. The French international has become a rock at the back for Mikel Arteta, and Sport say that he has not only passed all of their filters for a top signing, but have also received a positive response from his camp regarding a potential move. Saliba has a deal until 2027, and the Catalan paper explain that he will ask for a transfer if Los Blancos present a huge offer, somewhere in the region of €100m or more. Arsenal, for their part, are not interested in a sale.

The Gunners will have to consider their options in the next six months though. If they cannot get a new contract signed with Saliba in the next year, they risk losing him at a reduced price, or even Saliba running down his contract. If they do not feel a deal can be done with him, a sale this summer would make sense, although as Los Blancos have shown of late, they generally prefer players to run down their deals before making a deal.