Arsenal star’s UCL performance vs Real Madrid ‘accentuated’ Los Blancos’ transfer interest | OneFootball

The performance put forth by Arsenal star William Saliba across his side’s two meetings with Real Madrid this past season did not go at all unappreciated on the part of those behind the scenes at the Santiago Bernabéu.

That’s according to Diario AS, who have on Tuesday provided an insight into the situation.

The name of defender Saliba has of course long been a prominent one in the media chatter surrounding Real Madrid.

This comes amid the understanding that the Frenchman has been earmarked as a leading target to reinforce the heart of Los Blancos’ backline.

Last season, Florentino Pérez and co. were afforded the chance to watch Saliba up close, after Real Madrid and Arsenal were pitted against one another in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

And the level of performance conjured up by the 24-year-old across the two legs was highly appreciated by the former.

As per a report from AS, in fact:

‘The figure of William Saliba remains intact in the eyes of the Real Madrid directors. The quarter-final tie between Arsenal and Real Madrid, in which he had a formidable duel with Kylian Mbappé, has only accentuated Real Madrid’s interest in the French centre- back.’

Los Merengues are hopeful of Saliba running down his contract terms in north London, ahead of their current expiration in the summer of 2027.

Conor Laird – GSFN