Real Madrid Set to Make ‘Record-Breaking’ €100m Move to Sign Arsenal Star – Report | OneFootball

William Saliba to Real Madrid? Fears Grow as Spanish Giants Plot Record-Breaking Transfer Raid

Reports emerging from Spanish outlet Fichajes have sent ripples across North London, revealing Real Madrid’s ambition to make William Saliba the most expensive centre-back in football history. The La Liga giants are reportedly preparing a €100 million offer for the French defender, a figure that would eclipse the current record held by Josko Gvardiol following his €90 million move to Manchester City.

“Saliba represents the ideal profile: young, imposing, with tactical awareness, measured aggression, and a clean exit from the back that fits with Ancelotti’s style of play,” Fichajes states. It’s hard to argue with that analysis. Saliba’s calmness under pressure, ball-playing ability, and positional intelligence were on full display as Arsenal humbled Madrid 3-0 in their recent Champions League clash.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly ‘enamoured’ with Saliba’s performance. And according to Fabrizio Romano, he is viewed as “the Jude Bellingham of defenders.” It’s clear that Real aren’t simply reacting to one good game – this is a long-term admiration reaching its crescendo.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid’s Defensive Concerns Driving Interest

While Saliba maintained composure against Madrid’s star-studded front four – Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham, and Rodrygo – the same cannot be said of Los Blancos’ ageing backline. David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger looked sluggish, and the disparity in quality was glaring. The Spanish outfit are clearly targeting the Frenchman as a solution for the next decade.

Fichajes reports that “this move is no kneejerk reaction”, highlighting that Saliba fits the club’s tactical demands and future vision. With Carlo Ancelotti’s system requiring composed ball progression and physical dominance, Saliba ticks all the boxes.

At just 24, Saliba already boasts Champions League experience, Premier League maturity, and international pedigree. That makes him an attractive proposition for Madrid, who are reportedly “obsessed” with making him the cornerstone of their next great team.

Arsenal’s Stance: No Easy Exit

Crucially, Saliba is under contract until 2027, with talks for an extension already in the pipeline. Arsenal have no intention of selling, especially not after building their squad around a defensive spine that includes the Frenchman. Any move would require an unprecedented nine-figure fee, which would surely test even Real Madrid’s financial resolve.

Photo: IMAGO

This situation echoes previous Madrid pursuits of top-tier talent, with persistence often winning out in the end. Yet Arsenal are not the selling club they once were. In recent seasons, the club has shown increasing resolve in resisting European powerhouses – an ethos manager Mikel Arteta is keen to uphold.

Battle Brewing Over Arsenal’s Defensive General

Saliba’s current Estimated Transfer Value sits at €79.5 million, but Arsenal are expected to demand far more – €100 million or more, according to Fichajes. That would break the world record for a defender and represent a landmark moment in the club’s modern history.

The parallels to past Arsenal departures are uncomfortable – from Van Persie to Fabregas – but this time, the Gunners hold significantly more leverage. The club are in a strong financial position, in the midst of a title challenge, and competing deep into Europe. Letting Saliba go now would undermine all of that.

“Perez left certain of the idea that a move must be made,” the report claims. But will Madrid be able to prise away a player so central to Arsenal’s future?

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If you’re an Arsenal fan reading this – yes, the fear is real. We’ve seen this story before, haven’t we? A young, world-class talent blossoms under our roof, and then the European vultures begin circling. The fact that Real Madrid are preparing a €100 million bid doesn’t feel like a rumour – it feels like a warning shot.

You only have to look at how quickly Real moved for Jude Bellingham when they decided he was “the one.” And now we’ve got Fabrizio saying Saliba is “the Bellingham of defenders”? That’s not a flattering comparison – it’s a threat. We know what happens next.

Saliba is irreplaceable in this current Arsenal side. His presence alongside Gabriel has transformed us from fragile to formidable. Take him out, and not only is the defence weakened, but the entire structure and calmness at the back suffers. And yes, we’re finally in the Champions League, finally competing at the top again – but so were Dortmund before Bellingham left.

Of course, Saliba is contracted until 2027. But if Madrid come calling with that fee, with a shiny Bernabéu dream and the promise of trophies… it’s scary. We need Edu and Arteta to shut this down fast, offer him that extension with whatever it takes, and remind Saliba that we’re building something just as great right here.

The ball’s in our court. Let’s not fumble it.