According to a report by Give Me Sport, William Saliba is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are keen on finding a long-term central defensive partner for Eder Militao. The 23-year-old Arsenal defender has thus emerged as a viable target, although Los Blancos will not launch the offensive before the 2025 summer transfer window.

The rise and rise of William Saliba

William Saliba has been blossoming into one of the world’s best defenders since breaking into the first-team squad at Arsenal. The Frenchman is a native of Bondy and spent his formative years in his homeland. He started his youth career at his hometown club and spent a few years at FC Montfermeil before graduating from the youth division at AS Saint-Etienne.

Arsenal signed the 23-year-old from Saint-Etienne in July 2019, but he had to complete three loan spells and wait until the 2022/23 season to establish a foothold in the first-team squad. Since then, Saliba has come leaps and bounds, turning out 83 times while chipping in with five goals and two assists.

Meanwhile, William Saliba’s progress at Arsenal in the last two seasons has not gone unnoticed, with his exploits helping him establish a foothold in his national side. In addition, the French centre-back has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Real Madrid.

Can Real Madrid sign Saliba?

Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions are keen on signing a long-term central defensive partner for Eder Militao, with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger on the wrong side of 30. Widespread reports have suggested that Real Madrid might sign a new centre-back this summer.

However, the latest report has revealed that Real Madrid will shelve the move for Saliba until the 2025 summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the Arsenal defender will not come cheap, with the North London club likely to demand a premium to part ways with him. In addition, the 23-year-old pockets £190,000-a-week wages after signing a new contract last year.

While finances should not be a problem for Real Madrid, securing William Saliba’s services will require a considerable investment, especially to bear his £190,000-a-week wages. It will be interesting to see what transpires in the 2025 summer transfer window.