Real Madrid ready world-record bid for Arsenal defender | OneFootball

Real Madrid are ready to offer Arsenal a world-record fee for a defender to sign William Saliba.

Saliba starred as Arsenal thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie this week. It was the latest impressive showing from Saliba, who has evolved into one of Europe’s best central defenders in North London.

Real Madrid have been monitoring his performances closely and want Saliba to be the long-term foundation of their backline.

President Florentino Perez is reportedly determined to bring Saliba to the Spanish capital, with Fichajes reporting a record bid could soon materialise.

The European champions are weighing up a €100m (£86m) offer for the 24-year-old, a fee that would make Saliba the most expensive defender in history. Real Madrid view Saliba as the ideal heir to Antonio Rudiger.

According to the report, “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.”

However, Arsenal are likely to meet any approach with resistance and are keen to tie Saliba down to a new long-term deal. His current contract expires in 2027 with the proposal of an extension being finalised.

Saliba signed for Arsenal from Saint-Etienne as a teenager and developed during several loan spells before breaking into the side in 2022/23. He has earned consecutive inclusions in the PFA Team of the Year, as Arsenal have evolved into one of Europe’s best defensive outfits.

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