Real Madrid is counting on a Frenchman to get out of the crisis

For the first time in over a decade, Real Madrid are navigating through the bitter taste of a season without a single trophy. Their dominance in Spain and Europe has been disrupted, and while the team showed glimpses of brilliance, critical defensive flaws haunted them all season long. Now, Florentino Pérez and his board are on a mission to rebuild—with one man topping their wish list: William Saliba.

After enduring a season marred by injuries and inconsistency at the back, the Madrid hierarchy has made it clear: a world-class centre-back is their top transfer priority this summer. No longer interested in aging stars or risky unknowns, Los Blancos want someone young, elite, and already hardened by Champions League battles.

According to reports from Marca, the name that keeps surfacing in internal discussions at Valdebebas is William Saliba. The 23-year-old French international has taken the Premier League and Europe by storm, marshaling Arsenal’s defense with poise and maturity beyond his years. His standout performances this season, especially against top strikers like Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and even Madrid’s own Vinícius Jr., have earned him admiration across the continent.

Saliba was a central figure in Arsenal’s run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, and ironically, it was his defensive resilience that helped knock Real Madrid out in the quarter-finals. Though he made a costly error in the second leg, his overall display left a lasting impression on Madrid’s top brass. The mistake only underscored that he’s not the finished article—which, to Madrid, means untapped potential.

Florentino Pérez is reportedly convinced that Saliba could follow the path of fellow Frenchmen who once defined an era at the Bernabéu—Zinédine Zidane, Raphaël Varane, and Claude Makélélé. Madrid are seeking to re-establish a strong French defensive spine, especially now with Kylian Mbappé’s arrival confirmed and midfielders like Camavinga and Tchouaméni already in the squad.

Saliba’s style complements Madrid’s identity. His ball-playing ability from the back, his composure under pressure, his sharp anticipation of opposing attacks—these are exactly the attributes Madrid have been missing since David Alaba’s serious injury. Antonio Rüdiger, though dominant on his day, has shown alarming lapses in concentration, and with a potential suspension looming over him, Real Madrid can’t afford more instability.

Carlo Ancelotti—or his potential successor if things change—wants a centre-back who can lead the line for the next decade. Saliba fits that profile perfectly. He’s already a senior international with France and is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

However, acquiring him won’t be easy. Saliba is under contract with Arsenal until 2027, and crucially, the deal doesn’t include a release clause. That gives the Gunners full control of negotiations—and with Mikel Arteta keen to build a dynasty, Arsenal aren’t in the mood to part ways with their defensive jewel.

Arsenal’s leadership sees Saliba as non-negotiable, especially after their painful near-miss in the Champions League. They believe the Frenchman is essential to their ambition of finally lifting the trophy in the coming seasons. That means any approach from Real Madrid would have to involve a record-breaking transfer fee—likely starting at €90 million or more.

Even if Madrid are willing to pay that kind of money, they still need to convince the player. Saliba has often spoken of his dream to become an Arsenal legend, and with the club back at Europe’s top table, he may feel there’s unfinished business in North London.

Still, the allure of the Santiago Bernabéu is powerful. Real Madrid remains the pinnacle of club football, and the idea of joining a French-dominated squad, surrounded by elite talent, could eventually sway him. He could be the missing piece in Madrid’s defensive puzzle—and the next icon in their long legacy of French brilliance.

Madrid are prepared to make their move. Pérez has never been shy about targeting his man, and when he sets his sights, he often gets his way. Negotiations could begin as early as June, with Madrid hoping to finalize a deal before preseason kicks off.

Yet the Spanish giants must tread carefully. Any premature public approach could sour relations with Arsenal or unsettle Saliba in a way that backfires. Behind closed doors, Real are already preparing a detailed proposal—one that includes not just money, but a sporting project tailored around Saliba’s strengths and ambitions.

Whether this transfer saga becomes a quick negotiation or a drawn-out summer battle remains to be seen. But what’s certain is that Real Madrid are placing their trust in a Frenchman to lead them out of crisis—and if they get their way, William Saliba will soon be wearing white under the Madrid sun.

The question now is whether Arsenal can resist the inevitable. Will they stand firm, or will the charm of the Bernabéu and a generational offer be too tempting to refuse?

One thing is for sure: this summer, all eyes will be on Saliba, as two giants of European football prepare to lock horns—not on the pitch, but across the negotiating table.