It's fair to say there haven't been many better ball-playing defenders in Real Madrid's history than Raphael Varane. The Frenchman wasn't just a dominant prescence at the back but also accomplished on the ball with many branding him a Rolls Royce.
Varane was hugely successful during his decade stay at the Estadio Bernabeu, making 360 appearances and winning four Champions League trophies. He also got his hands on three La Liga title before departing for Manchester United in 2021.
The 2018 World Cup winner retired last year and France have looked to replace him with Arsenal star William Saliba. The Gunners center-back recently spoke about Varane and the comparisons he shares with the Madrid hero.
Saliba on Varane comparisons
Arsenal signed Saliba from French side St-Etienne in 2019 and he was regarded as one of the most exciting defensive talents in Europe. That was a similar view of Varane when he joined Madrid from Lens.
Saliba was recently asked which player he compares himself to and he responded (via Madrid Xtra):
“A former player I would compare myself to? Good question. Maybe when I started to play, some people compared me to Raphaël Varane when I was young. If I can say, maybe one former player, I would say Varane."
🗣️ Saliba: “A former player I would compare myself to? Good question.
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 6, 2026
Maybe when I started to play, some people compared me to Raphaël Varane when I was young. If I can say, maybe one former player, I would say Varane.” pic.twitter.com/Vn3XJAbbAb
Saliba has been vital for Mikel Arteta in recent years and many believe he is the best center-back in the Premier League. He is playing an important role in Arsenal's title challenge this season, appearing 29 times across competitions and putting in consistent performances alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
Real Madrid should swoop for Saliba in the future
The Frenchman has been on Madrid's radar over the past year although the La Liga giants ruled out moving for him. This stance came just ahead of his contract extension when he signed a new deal whcih doesn't expire until 2030.
It seems likely that Saliba won't be going anywhere anytime soon but he should remain on Florentino Perez's shortlist for the future. He is still only 24 and could eventually ponder a new challenge if his side were to finally win the Premier League or the Champions League.
Fabrizio Romano suggested before his contract renewal that Madrid were eyeing him:
"Many of you ask me about that Real Madrid for sure, have William Saliba on their list. Real Madrid, consider William Saliba. I always tell you this, and I maintain this, the Jude Bellingham of the defenders, something special for present and future."
That suggests Madrid might be willing to keep Saliba in mind as the years progress. A new defender is likely to arrive this summer but it won't be the Gunners man.