Saliba becomes Real's 'top priority' as Arsenal brace for transfer approach

William Saliba is the subject of growing transfer interest from Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.

Since being integrated into the Arsenal first-team two-and-a-half years ago, Saliba, 23, has grown into one of the Premier League's top central defenders and interest in his services from Europe's elite is nothing new.

However, fresh interest in the Frenchman from Real Madrid could pose a significant problem for Arsenal. It now seems almost certain that Los Blancos will come calling for Saliba in the summer, even if the Gunners have no desire to sell one of their top stars.

As first revealed by RMC Sport, Real have made Saliba their 'priority' transfer target ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, though there is an acceptance that signing him will be difficult.

Given Saliba's importance to Arsenal, they won't give up the former Saint-Etienne man without a fight. That means Real would have to make Saliba the most expensive defender in the world if they are to bring him to the Bernabeu in the summer.

It was reported last month that Real had made contact with Saliba's camp ahead of a potential move. Sport outlined at the time that the approach was met with a 'positive response' from Team Saliba, who is contracted until 2027.

Saliba has formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal's defence and been integral to the club's recent title challenges.

After coming up short in successive seasons against Manchester City in the race for the Premier League crown, Arsenal are now vying with Liverpool for domestic honours this term. Saliba was lauded by Liverpool's captain, Virgil van Dijk, earlier this season when the Dutchman was asked to speak about centre-halves who had impressed him.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Van Dijk replied: "Obviously, Saliba's making very good steps at the moment. He's the first one I just have in mind now. He's a solid one. I think in possession, he's doing a good job."

When he was then put on the spot by Ferdinand and asked if Salba reminds him of himself, Van Dijk added: "Yeah, maybe. I think, if I'm honest, when I was that age, I was nowhere near where he was today. Obviously, that's the beauty of football as well."