Real Madrid could make Arsenal defender William Saliba the most expensive defender in history this summer

Real Madrid could be willing to make Arsenal centre-back William Saliba the most expensive defender in history during the next summer transfer window, according to French outlet RMC Sport.

The La Liga club have made signing the France international a top priority ahead of next season, but the Gunners will be unwilling to sell someone they consider the best central defender in the world.

As a result, Arsenal are expected to demand a huge fee to ward off Madrid and other prospective suitors, but luring him away from the Emirates Stadium club would prove tricky.

Saliba has proven to be one of the most important players at the North London club in recent seasons, making 116 appearances and helping them finish second in back-to-back Premier League campaigns.

He has made the PFA Team of the Year in each of those seasons, making The Best FIFA Men’s 11 in 2024 and has been widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the English top-flight.

Madrid have kept tabs on him for a while and are ready to go for him in the summer, but Arsenal will be more than desperate to hold on to him for as long as possible.

Saliba is just 23 and still some years away from his prime, and losing such a talented player anytime soon is the last thing the Gunners want.

However, he is out of contract in 2027 and an exit cannot be completely ruled out, especially if the lure of playing for a team like Madrid keeps knocking on his door.

Los Blancos have won six of the last 11 Champions League titles and are arguably the best club on the planet at the moment, and there is no doubt that they are an attractive club for any professional footballer.

Winning the Premier League title this term and becoming regular challengers for major silverware will boost Arsenal’s chances of holding on to Saliba, but the rumours linking the Frenchman with Madrid are unlikely to stop anytime soon given his massive quality and huge potential.