Arsenal BOMBSHELL: Real Madrid use ‘discreet’ tactic to sign Saliba

Real Madrid have identified William Saliba as their priority centre-back target and are reportedly set to engage in “discreet” contact with the Arsenal star in a bid to sign him in 2026.

Saliba, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu over the past few months, but the France international is “highly unlikely” to join Los Blancos during the 2025 summer transfer window.

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That is according to The Athletic, who claim that Real Madrid will be unable to match Arsenal’s asking price this summer.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are set to deploy their usual transfer strategy in a bid to bring Saliba to the Santiago Bernabeu at some point over the next two years. Los Blancos will reportedly stay close to the player “discreetly” and either attempt to sign him for an affordable fee in 2026 or on a Bosman deal the following year.

Saliba’s current contract at Arsenal is due to expire in 2027 and although the Gunners are eager to finalise an extension agreement, the Frenchman is yet to pen fresh terms at the Emirates Stadium.

As a result, Real Madrid are hoping to sign him before the start of the 2027-28 campaign.

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Real Madrid want William Saliba

Real Madrid have signed Thibaut Courtois and Eduardo Camavinga for relatively small transfer fees in recent years, due to the fact they had one year remaining on their contract at their previous club, while David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe have all arrived as free agents.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to follow suit this summer, with Los Blancos eager to minimise huge spending, perhaps due to the failure of Eden Hazard’s €120.8 million move to the Spanish capital back in 2019.

Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen is viewed as an alternative target to Saliba, although The Athletic report that Real Madrid are unlikely to trigger his €57.5m (£50m) release clause, with the Spain international set to join another Premier League club instead.