Real Madrid ‘making move to sign Arsenal star William Saliba’
Real Madrid are likely to make a move to sign Arsenal defender William Saliba in the summer as he ranks among their top targets.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Los Blancos have identified Saliba as an ideal fit for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
However, Arsenal are extremely reluctant to part ways with the 23-year-old and will pull out all the stops to keep him at the club beyond the end of the season.
Madrid are said to be putting together a list of targets ahead of the summer window, with Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk also near the top of their list.
Brown told Football Insider on 1 February that the Spanish giants have been keeping tabs on the 33-year-old’s contract situation as they eye a potential swoop.
Real Madrid are keen to add further defensive reinforcements after this season’s injury crisis, while they are concerned about the longevity of their current options.
Arsenal stance on selling William Saliba to Real Madrid revealed
Saliba is seen as the perfect option to bring down the average age and add further quality to their defence by signing one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Arsenal will be prepared to receive offers, but want to keep their star man in North London.
“Real Madrid have been looking at Saliba and I expect they’ll make a move,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s in that group of centre-backs who are right at the top-level in the Premier League.
“So he’s definitely on their list and I think he’d be the perfect fit because he’s younger than the options they’ve got at the moment and they want to strengthen at the back.
“I know they’re looking at the Liverpool captain as well, Van Dijk, because he’s out of contract.
“If a player like that is available for free, clubs like Real Madrid are always going to be among the suitors.
“Whenever the idea of moving to Real Madrid is posed to a player, I think it’s hard to turn them down.
“But Arsenal want to keep hold of Saliba because he’s such an important part of their plans and the team they’re putting together.
“They want to go a step further than they have done and win the Premier League title, but they’ll need to keep the core of their team together to do that.
“So I’m sure they’ll be prepared to respond to whatever Madrid want to offer, but they want him to stay.“
Mikel Arteta eyeing move to sign Liverpool star in summer deal
Arsenal’s transfer plans have largely been focused on incoming options rather than potential outgoing in recent weeks as they look to strengthen their squad.
The 28-year-old’s ability to play both through the middle and out wide is viewed as a valuable asset, as Arteta is looking to add further versatility to his squad.
This comes amid a feeling at the Emirates that the addition of a natural goalscorer would help to bridge the gap between being title contenders and title winners.
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