Real Madrid could make William Saliba the world’s most expensive defender
Real Madrid have hatched a plan to prise William Saliba out of Arsenal after the Frenchman’s camp responded positively to an approach, though the LaLiga giant are well aware they’ll still need to pay a world record fee for a defender, according to a report.
Harry Maguire at £80m remains the most expensive defender transfer of all time. But according to Spanish outlet AS, William Saliba could set the new benchmark by joining Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are determined to overhaul their ageing defence in 2025, with Trent Alexander-Arnold their main priority irrespective of position.
The Liverpool ace is wanted for the right-back role, while Real Madrid retain hope of signing Alphonso Davies to slot in at left-back – even if it’s now looking like the Canadian will sign a new deal in Germany.
Regardless of whether it’s Davies or not, Real Madrid will sign a new left-back in 2025. To complete the rearguard rebuild, a world class centre-back is wanted too and that’s where Saliba comes in.
AS state Real Madrid have identified Saliba as the ‘priority’ target at centre-back. The 23-year-old has ‘passed’ all of the club’s checks and scouting assessments and a plan to spring his signing is now in place.
It’s claimed Real Madrid have made first contact with Saliba’s entourage and received a ‘positive response.’
Emboldened by what they’ve heard back, Real Madrid’s plan is to ‘try and get the player to request a transfer’ to the Bernabeu.
Explaining how they’ll go about convincing Saliba to hand in a transfer request, it’s noted Real Madrid will put a nine-figure bid on the table.
The club hope a €100m (£83m / $103m) bid will prove ‘irresistible’ to both Saliba and Arsenal. An offer of that size would represent a world record for a defender and in Real’s mind, would display to Saliba just how much he’s wanted in the Spanish capital.
Another factor Real Madrid hope could play a part in convincing Saliba to change clubs is the French contingent at the Bernabeu.
Saliba’s international teammates for France, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and now Kylian Mbappe, all play for Real Madrid.