Real Madrid have made Arsenal defender William Saliba their top transfer priority, according to reports from RMC Sport.
The Frenchman’s current contract with Arsenal is set to expire in 2027, and Real Madrid are exploring two possible avenues to secure his services.
The Spanish giants could either attempt to negotiate a cut-price deal with Arsenal in 2026 or convince Saliba not to renew his contract or join another club, allowing them to sign him as a free agent in 2027.
Saliba, who joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019, initially struggled to break into the Gunners’ first team and was loaned out to Marseille, where he impressed and helped the Ligue 1 side finish second in the league twice.
Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba comes amid a defensive crisis, with key players sidelined due to injuries.