William Saliba, an Arsenal defender, has been named Real Madrid’s “absolute priority,” potentially making him the “most expensive defender in history.”
Saliba has developed into one of the world’s top defenders. He was loaned to Marseille three seasons ago because, despite being a Gunner, he was not yet considered good enough to be a member of the first team.
Real Madrid is interested in Saliba after he has made over 100 appearances for Arsenal and twice helped the team finish second in the Premier League.
The Frenchman has long been linked to the La Liga powerhouses, and according to RMC Sport, he is now the team’s “absolute priority,” with defense being crucial to improvement.
It is thought that Arsenal would demand a “dissuasive price” from Real Madrid in order to prevent the sale of one of their best players.
In fact, according to the report, Saliba is expected to become “the most expensive defender in history” if he is sold.
Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City currently holds that title,
who, when he arrived at the Etihad in 2023, cost about £78 million.
Harry Maguire’s move to Manchester United has made him the next most expensive defender in history. As a result, Arsenal may end up making a lot of money instead of spending it, unlike their Premier League rivals.
Although the precise amount of that fee is unknown, a transfer of one of the top players in the world between two of the greatest teams in the world—which has already been hailed as a world record—is probably going to cost a lot of money.
Erling Haaland’s long-term contract with City is said to have stifled Real Madrid’s interest in making the move, according to the report.
Although they are currently fifth in the Premier League, which should be sufficient this season if they stay there, it is thought that there is a clause requiring City to sell him for a specific price if they are not selected for Champions League play the following season.
Although the precise amount of that fee is unknown, a transfer of one of the top players in the world between two of the greatest teams in the world—which has already been hailed as a world record—is probably going to cost a lot of money.
Erling Haaland’s long-term contract with City is said to have stifled Real Madrid’s interest in making the move, according to the report.
Although they are currently fifth in the Premier League, which should be sufficient this season if they stay there, it is thought that there is a clause requiring City to sell him for a specific price if they are not selected for Champions League play the following season.