Real Madrid’s interest in bolstering their defensive line appears to be centred firmly on Arsenal’s talented centre-back, William Saliba. Reports suggest that representatives from the Spanish capital were present to closely observe the Frenchman during Arsenal’s recent Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
The fixture, a much-anticipated showdown between two Premier League title contenders, ended in dramatic fashion as Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli struck a 93rd-minute equaliser. The late goal salvaged a point for the Gunners, cancelling out Erling Haaland’s early strike for the visitors.
Arsenal suffered a setback with the absence of their influential playmaker, Martin Odegaard, and were further hindered with Ebere Eze starting on the bench. Trailing at the break, manager Mikel Arteta introduced Eze and Bukayo Saka to rejuvenate his side’s attacking impetus. It was Eze who played a pivotal role, assisting Martinelli’s last-gasp equaliser.
Pep Guardiola’s City initially took advantage of a misjudgement by Gabriel Magalhaes as Haaland capitalised on a swift counter-attack, expertly orchestrated by Tijjani Reijnders. Yet, for the most part, Arsenal’s defensive unit, marshalled by Saliba, remained largely unbreached despite City’s threat.
Saliba’s performance was noteworthy; he demonstrated composure and precision with 96 successful passes from 100 attempts, had 112 touches, won five out of six aerial duels, and executed four key tackles alongside making four clearances. This solidity explains why Real Madrid’s scouts were keen observers.
Graeme Bailey of TBR Football reports that Real Madrid’s focus was unmistakably on Saliba, as they scouted a potential successor to Antonio Rudiger for the coming summer. Madrid’s strategic interest is long-standing and comprehensive, including players who might be available on a free transfer come 2026, such as Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, and Marc Guehi. However, they are in pursuit of quality, not just availability, with Saliba fitting the bill.
While Real’s intentions are clear regarding Saliba, Bailey notes that the Spanish side was also assessing Arsenal and Manchester City, potential rivals in this season’s Champions League. Nevertheless, Saliba remained a central focus for the Madrid evaluators during their English expedition.
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