Real Madrid 'make contact' with Arsenal star identified as 'top priority' transfer target

After spending time out on loan in his native France at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille, Saliba has since developed into one of the world's best central defenders during his time at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

Since and including his man-of-the-match debut against Crystal Palace in the Premier League in August 2022, Saliba has made a total of 92 first-team appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, chipping in with five goals.

The 23-year-old, who has been named in the PFA Team of the Year in the last two seasons, has formed a formidable partnership in the heart of Arsenal's defence with Gabriel Magalhaes, which has been key to the club's rise towards the summit of the Premier League.

Saliba's impressive form is understood to have caught the eye of Real Madrid, who are said to be scouting the France international ahead of potentially making a big-money move for the Gunners star.

Real Madrid step up pursuit of 'top priority' Saliba

Arsenal allegedly have no interest in parting ways with Saliba, but that has not stopped Los Blancos from stepping up their pursuit of the centre-back.

According to French news outlet Le 10 Sport, Real Madrid have made Saliba their 'top priority' transfer target for the summer of 2025.

The report adds that Carlo Ancelotti's side have already made contact with Saliba's entourage to gauge his interest in a potential transfer to the Spanish capital.

It is claimed that 'a major operation' could take place in the coming months as Real Madrid attempt to 'break the Gunners ' lock' and prise one of their star players away from the Emirates Stadium.

Should Arsenal be concerned by Real Madrid's Saliba pursuit?

While some may argue that sporting director Edu could be under pressure to prevent Saliba from joining a club of Real Madrid's stature, there have been no indications from the defender to suggest that he is looking to leave Arsenal any time soon.

In July 2023, Saliba extended his Gunners contract until June 2027 and admitted at the time that is was an "easy decision" to commit his future to the club.

"I want to play more years for this amazing club," Saliba told the club's website. "I didn't achieve anything yet, so I want to win everything with this club.

"I think we can achieve everything. Of course, it's easy to say this, but we have the coach, we have the character, we have the players and every year the team gets stronger.

"We have better players with a good mentality. We have a good experience from the last season as well. We know that the season is so long. So we are confident and we know we can do something good at this club."

Real Madrid are believed to be keen to reinforce their centre-back options and recruit a top player to provide competition for Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao, the latter two have struggled with injuries in recent seasons.