William Saliba, a defender for Arsenal, is reportedly Real Madrid’s top summer transfer target.

Saliba was selected for the 2024 FIFA The Best World XI after establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the world in previous seasons.

According to RMC Sport, he has long been linked to a move to Madrid, and Los Blancos are intensifying their pursuit.

It is well known that Madrid needs back-row reinforcements, and according to the source, Saliba possesses all the attributes they are seeking. But the Gunners will fight hard to hold onto him.

By the summer, Saliba will only have two years remaining on his contract with the Emirates, and there is no built-in option to extend.

The new deal, which is worth about £10 million a season, was only signed by the Frenchman last season.

According to RMC, Saliba is regarded by Arsenal as the best defender in world football, and the amount they would demand would make him the most costly defender in history.

Saliba, who has been a mainstay of Arsenal’s defense since 2022, participated in every minute of the 2023–24 season in the league’s tightest defense.

He and Gabriel have formed a solid partnership, and this season has been no exception.

Saliba has long been a target for Madrid, who were among several suitors during the 2021–22 campaign when he was making an impression while on loan at Marseille.

It has been years since Madrid made a significant investment in a defense. Their most recent significant defensive investment was the £47 million they paid for Lyon’s left-back Ferland Mendy in 2019.

Stars like David Alaba from Bayern Munich and Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea were successfully acquired by them in the free market, and Trent Alexander-Arnold might do the same this summer.