Real Madrid is said to be targeting Arsenal’s William Saliba as its next free transfer as the La Liga side continues to close in on a deal for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with Real for several months, and recent reports suggest that a deal is now close to being finalized. With his contract at Anfield set to expire at the end of the current season, speculation surrounding the England defender’s future has remained a major talking point in recent weeks.
However, Real Madrid may opt to pay a fee to secure the deal before his Liverpool contract officially expires. This approach aligns with the club’s recent strategy of signing top-tier talent on free transfers, having previously brought in stars like Kylian Mbappé, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger without transfer fees.
Real is already planning its next major move in what could be another high-profile addition to its squad. According to the Athletic, Los Blancos are reportedly interested in Saliba and are monitoring the Arsenal defender’s situation closely. The Spanish club is said to be targeting a potential free transfer once his current contract expires in 2027, with Rüdiger reportedly supporting the club’s pursuit.
While a move this summer appears unlikely, Real is expected to assess its options in 2026 before making any concrete approach. Arsenal, meanwhile, are keen to secure Saliba’s long-term future by offering him a new deal.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side got a firsthand look at Saliba’s quality during their 3-0 Champions League defeat to the Gunners. Real Madrid are looking to address its defensive issues this summer by targeting a new centre-back. Ancelotti’s side has struggled with depth at the back over the past two seasons, largely due to injuries and limited reinforcements.
This season, the defensive frailties have become more apparent — Madrid has already conceded 64 goals across all competitions, 14 more than they allowed during its title-winning campaign last year.
(Image: Getty Images)
Saliba isn’t the only defender on Real Madrid’s radar, with the club also keeping tabs on Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato. Bayern Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who is set to leave the Bundesliga side on a free transfer this summer, was offered to Madrid months ago, but the club declined the opportunity.
Saliba has firmly established himself as one of the top centre-backs in world football, thanks to his consistently impressive performances in the Premier League. The 24-year-old joined Arsenal from Saint-Étienne in a £27 million ($35M) deal back in 2019 and spent time on loan at Saint-Étienne, Nice, and Marseille before breaking into Mikel Arteta’s first team. Since then, he has become a key figure at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, making 94 appearances in England’s top flight.
Real Madrid had initially planned to target a new centre-back in 2025, but that timeline was accelerated following David Alaba’s ACL injury in December 2023. The club had already missed out on Leny Yoro last summer, and its defensive problems deepened with further knee injuries to Dani Carvajal and Eder Militão, the latter suffering his second ACL injury in as many years.
Despite a shortage at the back, Madrid chose not to pursue a free transfer at the time — even with former captain Sergio Ramos available — and expressed doubts about finding the right fit during the January window.
