Real Madrid will sign three defenders this summer, but there are further plans for the Back-Line to be tackled in the next 12-18 months. Another center-back is being sought because David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger come to the last years of their career, and at this stage they look at the Premier League to replace them.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate is supposed to have a strong interest in Real Madrid, but they also look at his international teammate, William Saliba. The Arsenal defender is a top objective for Los Blancos, who is expected to consider a movement in 2026 if he were available.
But the chances that that is the case do not look good. Saliba would only have his current deal for a year in 2026, and although this would mean that Real Madrid has a chance to sign him for a reduced compensation, it seems that this opportunity will be on their way at all.
That is because only Arsenal has reported that contract discussions are going on between Saliba and Arsenal, and it is believed that they are making good progress. As such there is a confidence in the Premier League club that an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks.
At this stage it seems much more likely that Konate will be more feasible for Real Madrid. His own contracting situation in Liverpool is much more unclear, with negotiations that are currently standing still. However, until there is an agreement between Saliba and Arsenal, there is still a chance that front.
It is still to be seen who draws Real Madrid to replace Alaba/Rudiger, but it is clear that whoever it is will be pursued in 2026. For now, both current players are expected to stay in the Santiago Bernabeu for the 2025-26 campaign.