Real Madrid interested in signing Arsenal superstar, watching player closely on a regular basis - Reports

Reigning UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing up Arsenal defender William Saliba. They are looking to strengthen their defense, after dealing with multiple injuries and departures.

Saliba signed for Arsenal as a teenager from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne for a fee of £27 million. He was sent back on loan to Saint-Etienne immediately while his next two seasons saw him continue his development at Nice and Marseille.

In 2022, he rejoined the north London side and quickly established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet. He has formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel at the heart of the Arsenal defense as they pushed Manchester City to the title in the last two seasons.

The Frenchman's performances for the Gunners have not gone unnoticed with Carlo Ancelotti's side reportedly sizing up a move for the defender. According to TBR Football, Real Madrid are firm admirers of Saliba and are watching him closely regularly.

Real Madrid are in the market for a central defender, evidenced by their pursuit of Leny Yoro. They, however, suffered a setback in their pursuit as the 18-year-old joined Manchester United this summer.

The report also adds that representatives from the 15-time champions were present at Arsenal's 2-0 win over Aston Villa on August 24.

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"He deserves a lot of credit" - Arsenal boss on the Real Madrid target

Saliba has established himself as a mainstay in the Gunners' defense and was also France manager Didier Deschamps' first-choice defender at the 2024 Euro.

Club manager Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer as well of the Real Madrid target. In an interview with TNT Sports earlier this year, the Spaniard admitted that Saliba's performances at such a tender age are hugely impressive.

"He deserves a lot of credit. Because at his age to do what he’s doing at a top club, it’s very difficult. And that’s credit to him, but as well as the people he’s had in his pathway that have brought him to this point in the best possible condition," he said.

Arteta said that defending is a team effort and lauded the efforts of Saliba's teammates, too.

"In the end, you are as good as the people you are surrounded with, and I think he’s very lucky to have the people that he plays alongside and to do the job that he needs to do," Arteta said.

"More than that [his partnership with Gabriel], I think it's as well with the holding midfielders and the full-backs and the goalkeeper and the relationship that they have as well, with the coaches to instil that desire as well to defend and defend our house the way we have to do it," he added.

Mikel Arteta‘s side have made an unbeaten start to the Premier League season. They won their first two matches before being held at home by Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the international break.