Real Madrid eyeing bargain move to sign Arsenal star in 2026 | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s Centre-Back Conundrum: Transfers, Tensions and Tactical Needs

Defensive Numbers That Can’t Be Ignored

For a club of Real Madrid’s stature, defensive frailty is more than a tactical weakness—it’s a threat to their very identity. With 64 goals conceded already this season, that’s 14 more than during the entirety of last term, when Carlo Ancelotti’s side lifted both La Liga and the Champions League. Their vulnerabilities were brutally exposed during a 3-0 thrashing by Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Despite his calm public demeanour, Ancelotti has long been calling for defensive reinforcements behind the scenes. The problem isn’t new. Injuries and recruitment misfires have left the Spanish giants short of quality at centre-back, and the current figures speak volumes.

“It seemed Madrid had no option but to sign another defender,” reported The Athletic, who detailed how internal meetings between Jose Angel Sanchez, Juni Calafat, Santiago Solari and Ancelotti explored transfer solutions. Yet, there remains internal caution. “Some important voices at Madrid are still wary.”

Injury Chaos and Transfer Hesitations

The original plan was to target a new centre-back in 2025. That timeline was swiftly revised when David Alaba suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in December 2023. Efforts to sign Leny Yoro failed, and further injuries to Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao compounded the crisis. The latter’s was his second ACL injury in as many years.

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Despite this defensive exodus, the club decided against an opportunistic swoop for free agent Sergio Ramos. Even with a dire need and his history at the club, doubts about finding the “right player” in January prevailed.

This points to a deeper tension in the Madrid hierarchy—a desire to act smartly rather than react desperately. Yet, this calculated patience is being sorely tested.

Transfer Targets and Tactical Trends

Madrid’s strategy seems torn between a long-term vision and short-term needs. On the right flank, they’ve made a firm move. Trent Alexander-Arnold will be wearing white next season, with his contract expiring and Liverpool reluctant but ultimately resigned.

At centre-back, however, it’s a messier picture.

Some at Madrid prefer “a young centre-back with great potential,” while others lean toward a proven, affordable veteran. Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, available on a free, was offered but turned down. Meanwhile, their preferred option—Arsenal’s William Saliba—is deemed out of reach for now. His contract runs until 2027 and Arsenal want him to extend.

Madrid, though, rarely rush. “They are deploying their usual transfer strategy: staying close to the player discreetly and preparing the ground to try and sign him in 2026 for an affordable amount or in 2027 as a free agent,” according to The Athletic.

This patient pursuit has worked before—Courtois, Camavinga, and Mbappe all arrived through clever, protracted negotiations. It’s a model built on trust and timing.

Balancing Budgets and Blooding Youth

Names like Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig), and Jorrel Hato (Ajax) feature heavily in Madrid’s scouting files. Yet financial caution looms large. Huijsen has a £50million clause—Madrid are hesitant to spend so much on a 19-year-old. Lukeba’s exit clause is €90m, softened slightly by a gentleman’s agreement with Leipzig.

Beneath the surface, Madrid’s wage structure and squad depth may be holding up deals. “Some sources at their Valdebebas training ground doubt they will sign a centre-back,” citing “previous ‘promises’ on signings that were not kept and the number of centre-backs on the wage bill.”

Veterans like Alaba and Rudiger remain under contract, while Militao is secured until 2028. Raul Asencio has broken through from Castilla and extended his deal to 2027—though he remains under investigation for serious allegations. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been shoehorned into defence, and youth players Jacobo Ramon and Joan Martinez hover in the wings.

Despite the options, only Jesus Vallejo is confirmed to leave. And with no January signing since Brahim Diaz in 2019, Madrid’s caution is almost institutional.

A Decision Madrid Cannot Delay

If Real Madrid truly want to remain at the pinnacle of European football, they must address their most glaring flaw. Patience has paid off in the past, but the stakes feel different now. The spine of Ancelotti’s side is exposed, and without steel at the back, their silverware hopes may continue to slip.

Whether it’s Saliba in two years or Tah on a free, Madrid cannot afford to misjudge this window. Alexander-Arnold’s arrival may be a coup, but it’s the man at centre-back who could define their destiny.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective—especially one following Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal—this piece will land with a blend of curiosity and apprehension. Seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold lined up to join Real Madrid is seismic. It’s a testament to Madrid’s pull, but also a gut-punch for Liverpool loyalists. With Arne Slot taking over the reins, this is hardly the start Reds fans would have dreamed of.

Madrid’s targeting of Saliba only heightens tension. He’s arguably the best young centre-back in Europe right now and a defensive cornerstone for Arsenal. Losing him—now or later—would be monumental. For Gooners, it’s a familiar fear: Madrid circling, building relationships, and swooping in once the timing is right.

There’s also a broader issue of football’s elite hoovering up top-tier talent. Real Madrid already have a galaxy of stars. The fear is that they’re building another dynasty that could dominate Europe for years—especially with Mbappe now through the door.

Madrid fans will be optimistic, maybe even smug. The rest of Europe? They’re watching closely. If Madrid get this summer right, they won’t just be back. They’ll be unstoppable.