Arsenal have a truly world-class player in their ranks in defender William Saliba, but other clubs are now beginning to recognise his brilliance.
Saliba quickly established himself as one of the best centre-backs in England when he first arrived in the Arsenal squad in 2022, after several loan spells back in France, and he has reached new levels of excellence since.
The Frenchman is now one of, if not the best centre-back in the Premier League, and at just 23, he is destined to become a modern great on his current trajectory.
Saliba is already a defensive superstar, and he has helped transform Arsenal into title contenders. However, Real Madrid have seen this, and the Spanish giants now want to make him one of their next ‘Galactico’ signings in the summer of 2025, but Mikel Arteta will be extremely reluctant to let him leave.
Real Madrid have also seen the club records Arsenal are breaking under Arteta, and are well aware that success for the Gunners could lessen their chances of signing Saliba. This could mean they may now try to sign a Tottenham Hotspur player instead.
Real Madrid could target Cristian Romero as William Saliba alternative
The Independent have now reported that Real Madrid could turn to Tottenham star Cristian Romero as an alternative to Saliba.
It is reported that whilst Los Blancos are keen on the defender, they recognise that Arsenal’s current trajectory under Arteta, which has seen them become title challengers as one of the best teams in Europe, will make it hard to sign Saliba.
The manager has signed a new contract at Arsenal, and this certainty over Arteta’s future could keep Saliba at the club.
Meanwhile, with Spurs continuing to falter, Romero could be targeted, and if they fail to qualify for the Champions League again, signing him could be a lot easier than trying to prise Saliba away from Arsenal.
Arsenal have to hope Real Madrid sign Cristian Romero
Romero was described as “weak” by Theo Walcott after his poor display in the North London derby, but he is still one of Tottenham’s best players, and losing him would be a significant blow for Arsenal’s rivals.
If Romero does join Real Madrid, then they will turn their attention away from Saliba, and this therefore means that Arsenal will hope that Spurs continue to disappoint, leading to a Romero exit and a long-term future in North London for Saliba.
Real Madrid have signed Luka Modric and Gareth Bale from Tottenham in the past, with both players departing fairly mediocre Spurs sides to win countless trophies at the Santiago Bernabeu, and if Cristian Romero follows them, Arsenal will be relieved.
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