Report: Real Madrid Targeting Arsenal Star Ahead of Major Summer Rebuild | OneFootball

William Saliba: Real Madrid’s Next Galáctico Defender?

Saliba’s Standout Season Turns Heads in Spain

Arsenal’s journey to the Champions League semi-finals is as much about Arteta’s evolving tactical blueprint as it is about the resilience at the heart of their defence. At its centre is William Saliba, the calm conductor of chaos who has made the art of defending elegant once again.

“Arsenal are playing today because Real Madrid weren’t up to the task, and it’s Arteta’s team, having passed the Bernabéu test, who are enjoying the European semi-finals.” Marca’s statement cuts to the core: Real Madrid, perennial kings of Europe, have been outmanoeuvred. And now they want to buy the solution.

Madrid Eyeing Premier League’s Finest

“The French international appears to be Real Madrid’s choice to captain the Whites’ defense starting next season.” The admiration from Madrid isn’t hidden—it’s whispered in boardrooms and written in scouting reports. Florentino Pérez is reportedly “willing to roll up his sleeves to bring to the Bernabéu the man who many currently consider the best center back on the market.”

Photo: IMAGO

Saliba isn’t alone in this potential Premier League exodus. “Akanji, City’s Swiss Army knife… wouldn’t mind leaving Guardiola,” while midfield names such as “McAlister and Tonalli” are already linked.

Juni Calafat’s Long Game

Juni Calafat, Madrid’s transfer guru, has been watching. “Saliba has been on Juni Calafat’s agenda for a long time,” Marca says. This isn’t sudden admiration—it’s a long-term pursuit. While Huijsen is mentioned, the tone suggests Saliba is the priority.

Madrid have often looked to the Premier League for inspiration and reinforcements. As Marca states, “The Premier League will be Real Madrid’s breeding ground for rebuilding.”

French Influence to Continue at Valdebebas

In Valdebebas, the French touch remains significant. With Kylian Mbappé expected to arrive, and Saliba potentially joining him, Real Madrid’s dressing room could soon reflect a Gallic spine. Marca signs off with a nod to the future: “Xabi Alonso could have the raw material that the next Brazil coach lacked to make a good basket.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

There’s something unsettling about how casually Marca report this. “Madrid knows it, the player knows it, and Arsenal knows it.” That line alone should set alarm bells ringing in North London. Saliba isn’t just a defender—he’s the cornerstone of Arteta’s rebuild. Losing him, especially to Real Madrid, would feel like a seismic collapse just when we’re finally competing on Europe’s biggest stage.

What’s more worrying is the broader picture. Saliba, McAlister, Tonali, even Akanji—all being viewed as available or gettable. It speaks to how Real Madrid view the Premier League: a shop window, ripe for plucking.

Yes, contracts and agents play their part, but if Juni Calafat’s admiration turns into a Florentino-backed pursuit, Arsenal will be under immense pressure. We’ve fought so hard to reach this level—replacing someone like Saliba mid-project would be near impossible.

And yet, if Saliba’s head is turned, can you really blame him? Champions League nights at the Bernabéu, La Liga titles, a chance to join Mbappé and Camavinga? The pull is real. Arsenal must act decisively—whether that’s a new contract, a captain’s armband, or simply the promise of a long-term vision that ends in silverware. Because Madrid are circling. And they don’t often miss.