William Saliba is one of the best center-backs in the world right now, and he is one that Real Madrid have kept an eye on in the last few months. Even though he would be very expensive, it is almost certain that Saliba would be looked at as the best defender for the next few years.
Real Madrid could do with a leader like that in the future, as they have already entered the center-back market, with reports about signing Dean Huijsen floating around Valdebebas.
Saliba checks a lot of boxes, and one of those boxes is getting approval from Real Madrid fans. Many supporters of the club want him to be signed, and Saliba may have just given them a reason to.
Arsenal's William Saliba called Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos the greatest defender in history
Saliba was asked about the Ramos comparisons recently, and he said everything that a Real Madrid fan would have liked to hear.
The Frenchman said: "For me, he is the best in history."
"I wanted his shirt,' he continued, "but Gabriel also wanted his shirt. So I gave it to Gabriel, because he wanted his shirt so badly. So I gave it to Gabriel. But yes, it’s the only thing that I spoke with him."
Saliba faced off against Ramos last season when Arsenal faced Sevilla in the Champions League, and he said it was an honor to go up against him.
It is obvious that Real Madrid want him and Saliba may want to move at some point as well, but right after that quote, he said something to calm Arsenal fans down.
"I want to win big things with Arsenal. Because if you leave this club and you didn’t win anything, the fans and the people will forget about you. Of course, I want to win big things here," he said.
Saliba may not join Real Madrid immediately, but these rumors will float around for a while, and maybe one day, he is able to replicate what Ramos did for 16 years: wear the Real Madrid jersey.