Real Madrid are already preparing their line-up for next season and have reportedly contacted the representatives of an Arsenal star.
It has been widely reported in recent months that Los Blancos are eyeing William Saliba and appear to be stepping up their pursuit of him.
Saliba is enjoying another stormy campaign, having played all but two games in all competitions. Arsenal have the strongest defense in the Premier League and have only conceded 19 goals so far this season.
He has been part of the Premier League team of the season for two years in a row and it is no surprise that such consistency appeals to Real Madrid.
Foot Mercato reports that Madrid are keen to sign him this summer and that he meets all the requirements.
Real are said to be looking for a 'new Eder Militao', who is out until the summer with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
While Micky van de Ven, Josko Gvardiol and Aymeric Laporte are on their radar, Saliba could become cheaper in the summer.
Saliba will have just two years left on his contract at the Emirates by the summer, with no built-in option to extend it.
The Frenchman only signed the new contract last season, worth around £10 million per season.
Saliba has been a linchpin in Arsenal's backline since 2022, playing every minute in the Premier League's most watertight defense during the 2023/2024 season.
This season was no different and a strong partnership with Gabriel has been created.
Madrid have long admired Saliba as he was named as part of a group of suitors in the 2021/22 season while he impressed on loan at Marseille.
Real Madrid have not spent money on a defender for years. Their last big spend at the back was for Lyon left-back Ferland Mendy in 2019, when they earned around £47 million.
They have had success on the free market, signing stars such as Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea and David Alaba from Bayern Munich, and it could be the same with Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.
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