Real Madrid view William Saliba as David Alaba successor
William Saliba, a 22-year-old center back for Arsenal, is a potential target for Real Madrid to replace David Alaba at the club.
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in William Saliba’s services, according to a report from Defensa Central. Los Blancos would love to have the 22-year-old center back, who has been outstanding for Arsenal in the Premier League, join their team to take David Alaba’s place. However, the child might cost up to €100 million.
William Saliba, who rose through the Saint-Etienne ranks, joined Arsenal in the 2019 summer transfer window. He was initially the target of numerous loan transfers throughout Europe. But now, he has emerged as their defense’s linchpin.
He returned to the North London club last year and has been a consistent member of their first squad ever since following a successful loan spell at Marseille in the 2021/22 season. Saliba logged more than 2,800 minutes while playing for the Gunners in 33 games last season.
When Arsenal pushed Manchester City for the Premier League title right up until the very end of the season and managed to secure Champions League football in the process, he even assisted in the scoring of four goals and was a big part of it.
The international player from France has continued to perform well so far in 2023–24. The 22-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and Real Madrid is one of the teams keeping a close eye on him.
When Zinedine Zidane was in charge of the team in white, he suggested Saliba as a player to the Real Madrid board. However, back then, consumers had the option of haggling over the cost of his services. But they have been paying careful notice to the Arsenal star. Currently, they are eager to have him and would like for him to join their ranks.
According to the rumor, Florentino Perez would sign the 22-year-old as soon as possible. However, they will be required to pay €100 million for his services, which at this time seems unfeasible.
Real Madrid have been doing a lot of business in the transfer market lately, so it’s not out of the question that they’ll be looking to make a move soon. A source close to Perez thinks Saliba could be a good fit for them, and they see him as someone who could replace David Alaba in the next year or two. Alaba is now 31, and his performance hasn’t been as consistent as it used to be, so signing a replacement early will help them make the transition smoother. Saliba has been doing really well, and he’ll be a great addition to Madrid’s defence. But it won’t be easy to sign him, given the price and Mikel Arteta’s likely to try and keep him at Arsenal.