Real Madrid will have to pay £85 million to buy Saliba from Arsenal
Real Madrid remain strongly interested in Arsenal defender William Saliba, but the Spanish giants face a significant financial hurdle if they are to pry him away from North London this summer.
According to The Athletic and reports echoed by Defensa Central, Arsenal are demanding around €100 million (£85 million / R$645 million) for the 24-year-old French center-back a price tag that reflects his status as one of the best defenders in Europe.
Arsenal firm on valuation as Saliba emerges as key figure
Saliba enjoyed a standout 2024/25 campaign under Mikel Arteta, racking up 51 appearances across all competitions and anchoring a defense that pushed Arsenal deep into both the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
With a contract running until June 2027, the Gunners are under no pressure to sell and are reportedly already working on a contract extension to further cement Saliba’s future in North London.
Real Madrid’s defensive rebuild: Saliba top of the list
Real Madrid are preparing for the long term, with David Alaba expected to leave the club due to recurring injury issues and a high wage bill. The Austrian defender’s possible departure, combined with the club’s recent acquisition of Dean Huijsen, suggests the Merengues are reshaping their backline for the future.
Saliba, with his pace, composure, and aerial dominance, is viewed at the Bernabéu as an ideal long-term partner for Éder Militão. However, the £85 million fee could prove to be a sticking point unless Arsenal’s stance softens later in the window.
PSG eye Rodrygo as Real Madrid focus shifts
While Real Madrid monitor Saliba’s situation, they also face uncertainty in their own squad. Brazilian winger Rodrygo is reportedly on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar, with the French club considering a high-profile move to reinforce their post-Mbappé era.
Though there’s no confirmation that Rodrygo will leave, his situation adds another layer of complexity to Real Madrid’s summer planning.
