Real Madrid eyeing 2026 deal for Arsenal star | OneFootball

La Liga champions Real Madrid are hopeful of closing a deal for a member of the defensive ranks at Premier League giants Arsenal in a year’s time.

That’s according to Relevo, who point towards William Saliba as the player in question.

The Real brass, it is understood, have identified the heart of the club’s backline as an area which will be in need of reinforcement with a view to the 2026/27 campaign.

Despite the problems in central defence in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad across the season to date, it is understood that Los Blancos are ready to depend on their current options at the back for another 12 months.

At that point, though, a concerted push for fresh blood will be kicked into gear.

And one name, as per Relevo, has already been ‘marked in red’ – that of William Saliba.

The Frenchman is Real Madrid’s priority target to solidify the centre of defence for years to come, considered the perfect profile of player.

Saliba’s current terms with Arsenal are due to expire in the summer of 2027, with Florentino Pérez and co. therefore readying an approach to the player and his entourage a year prior.

At this point, Real will attempt to either land the 23-year-old for a cut-price fee, or find an agreement for him to join on a free transfer 12 months later.

Conor Laird – GSFN