Real Madrid Plot Ambitious Move For Arsenal’s Defensive Star William Saliba Amid Record Champions League Win

Real Madrid have reignited their pursuit of Arsenal’s outstanding centre-back William Saliba, sparking waves of speculation across Europe after the Gunners’ emphatic 3-0 Champions League triumph over Los Blancos. The move, reportedly valued around £86 million, underlines both Saliba’s swift ascension to elite status in world football and Madrid’s intent to rebuild their ageing defence with top-tier talent.

This story is significant not only because of the staggering sum involved or the star names, but also highlights the shifting power dynamics among European giants. It pits a resurgent Arsenal, eager to retain their homegrown core, against Real Madrid’s historic allure and purchasing power — a classic contest that may shape the transfer window.

Sources from Spain reveal that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has become ‘in love with’ the 24-year-old French international, leaving London convinced that “William Saliba must wear white.” This sentiment grew even stronger after his commanding display against Madrid midweek, where he marshalled Arsenal’s defence superbly in the absence of his partner Gabriel Magalhaes.

Saliba, under contract with Arsenal until 2027 and valued at nearly €100m, is perceived as the ideal successor to aging stalwarts Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. According to Fichajes, Perez sees Saliba as a ‘strategic signing’ and a defensive lynchpin for the next decade — young, tactically intelligent, physically imposing, yet composed on the ball to fit smoothly into Carlo Ancelotti’s style.

Meanwhile, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has reassured Gunners fans that at this stage, Arsenal remain ‘relaxed’ over Madrid’s approach. With Saliba publicly expressing happiness at Arsenal and his contract running for another three years, the London club hold the upper hand for now. Romano said, “I don’t expect Arsenal to entertain any pulls for Saliba this summer. They absolutely want him as a crucial part of the project with Arteta and their new director, Andrea Berta.”

Yet history shows Madrid are experts in long courtships: from Jude Bellingham to Kylian Mbappé, what starts with mere whispers often turns into high-profile acquisitions. As Goal.com notes, their search for a ‘Galactico’ centre-back fits perfectly with Saliba’s growing status — among the world’s best even if not yet in white.

Adding spice to the affair, French legend Emmanuel Petit spotlighted another Arsenal gem after the 3-0 win, remarking “Bukayo Saka could easily be playing for Real Madrid... his goals and assists mark him among the world’s elite, and he was absolutely crucial.” It’s clear the Spanish giants have cast admiring eyes over multiple Arsenal stars during this tie.

Arsenal, transformed under Mikel Arteta, now face a battle familiar yet different in scale. As their young core shines brightest in Europe, they become inevitable targets for deep-pocketed rivals. Yet with control over Saliba’s contract and the promise of competing at the highest level, the North Londoners appear well-placed — at least in this transfer window — to resist Madrid’s advances.

Whether Real Madrid’s admiration of Saliba materialises into a record-breaking offer, or Arsenal manage to keep hold of a player deemed ‘a leader for the next decade,’ remains to be seen. One certainty: the French international’s rapid rise has made him one of the most coveted defenders worldwide, and the tug-of-war is far from its final chapter.

What’s your take? Should Arsenal cash in on this staggering valuation, or do they need Saliba to anchor their project? Will Real Madrid’s seduction prove irresistible? Share your thoughts and join the debate below.

• Arsenal
• Real Madrid
• William Saliba

X talks about this news