Real Madrid appear to have revived their interest in one of Arsenal's star men ahead of the summer transfer window. Los Blancos saw up close how talented Mikel Arteta's squad are when they were beaten by the Premier League club in last season's Champions League quarter-finals.
Arteta's Gunners are leading the English title race and the likes of Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, David Raya and Martin Zubimendi are proving instrumental. Xabi Alonso had reportedly advised the Madrid board to target Zubimendi before he headed to the Emirates but the club's former manager's advice was ignored.
A move for Zubimendi isn't the on the cards this summer but his teammate Saliba has seemingly re-emerged on Florentino Perez's wishlist. The French defender has been superb and forged a formidable partnership with Gabriel.
Real Madrid add Arsenal star to defensive shortlist
Saliba was on Madrid's radar when he was in discussions with Arsenal over a new contract. Fabrizio Romano confirmed Los Blancos' interest in May 2025.
The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a new long-term deal four months later and is tied to the Gunners until 2030. That quietened talk of the French defender potentially arriving at the Bernabeu.
Saliba has been one of Arteta's most important players this season, appearing 30 times across competitions and helping his side keep 16 clean sheets. While Gabriel is grabbing the plaudits for his dominance in set-piece situations, the former Saint-Etienne man is arguably the superior defender.
According to Topskills Sports UK, Madrid feel similarly about Saliba and Perez in particular is a fan. The La Liga heavyweights will make him their "top priority" and are determined to sign him this summer.
That's with Eder Militao's potential departure in mind amid the Brazilian defender's recurring injury issues. It's claimed that there is a "high possibility" that the 28-year-old departs and he has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Saliba would be one of Madrid's best signings in years
There perhaps isn't a defender in world football with more potential than Saliba and he's already performing to a world class level. He started his Arsenal career out on loan at Marseille and won Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year award in 2022.
A year later he had cemented his place in Arteta's backline and is now an undisputed starter. His manager called him "exceptional" when he eased into the starting lineup.
If the report is true it would be a massive statement should Madrid indeed attempt to try and sign the Frenchman. It should be noted that there's no indication that the player is open to leaving the Emirates or his club's valuation of the France international.
Saliba isn't the only defender on Perez's wishlist as Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck remains a top target. Reports suggest a move for the German is looking increasingly likely.