Real Madrid are prioritising a winger and a centre-back in addition to Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, and William Saliba is their favourite option in defence.
Javier Rodriguez Pascual reports for Relevo that after signing Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, Real Madrid are hoping to sign up to three more players.
The Spanish side are looking at left-backs, centre-backs, midfielders, and forwards, but the priority right now is a left-winger and a centre-back.
The report adds that Real Madrid’s favoured centre-back signing is Arsenal’s William Saliba.
Previous reports from The Athletic have suggested that an imminent move for Saliba to join Real Madrid is unlikely, with Arsenal’s asking price likely to price out even the Spanish giants.
Those claims hinted that Real Madrid were instead hoping Arsenal wouldn’t be able to extend Saliba’s contract, allowing him to leave for a lower fee next summer, or for free in 2027.
From Arsenal’s side, the Gunners were confident last month that they’d be able to extend the defender’s contract again.
Andrea Berta is expected to a work on a new deal for Saliba as one of his key early priorities, and the player is reportedly sending possitive messages on that front. But it seems if Arsenal show any willingness to sell, Real Madrid are waiting.
Saliba has played 48 times for Arsenal this season, starting 47 of those matches.