ARSENAL star William Saliba is Real Madrid’s top target to bolster their defence this summer.
Saliba, 24, is considered by many as the best defender in the world following some stunning performances at the Gunners’ backline in the Premier League and Champions League.
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And according to Marca, the centre-back is seen as the man to lead Real’s defence for years to come – especially after his impressive displays across both quarter-final encounters against them in Europe.
So much so that the reigning Spanish and European champions’ president Florentino Perez is set to take it upon himself to make sure a deal is completed with the North Londoners.
Saliba and Arsenal are fully aware of Los Blancos’ interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, Real are currently moving in a “lukewarm and discreet” fashion due to their last-ditch effort to win LaLiga and the Premier League giants’ focus on winning their first ever Champions League.
However, the summer will be a completely different matter as Madrid are expected to go all out for the France international.
Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen has also been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu.
But Saliba has been an absolute priority ahead of Huijsen for Real chief scout Juni Calafat and Perez.
Manchester City ace Manuel Akanji has also been targeted but that was mainly down to manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is heading out of the Bernabeu.
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Nevertheless, a move to Real could also see Saliba playing with Premier League foes Alexis Mac Allister from Liverpool and Sandro Tonalli of Newcastle as the midfield pair is also being monitored.
The pair are being targeted due to Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi’s preference of moving to Arsenal.
And that could be under Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who poses as the favourite to succeed Ancelotti in the dugout.
The Italian tactician is highly likely to leave club football for the first time in his celebrated 30-year career, which has seen him becoming the only manager to win all five top leagues, and move to Brazil.
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