Real Madrid being linked to Saliba hardly surprises, given the Spanish giants consistently insert themselves into the conversation for the world’s best players — and Saliba is clearly one of those now.
Add in the fact that Madrid have suffered badly with injuries at centre-back over the last two years, losing David Alaba and Éder Militão (twice) to ACL tears, and you can understand why they’d be looking to sign big in this position in 2025.
Saliba has been the top performer in an Arsenal defence that has conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League in the last 18 months. His defensive instincts and recovery speed make for a brilliant combination, while his passing range is starting to come on too. At age 23, he’s not far off the stage where he is simply regarded as a complete centre-back, excellent in every area.
So, naturally, Madrid like him — as do just about everyone else. But while he has a contract until 2027 and perhaps there is a window to target him this summer, Arsenal’s asking price would be over £100m … and rightly so.
OTHER RUMORS
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Could Neymar return to form in the MLS?
Stevie Nicol quickly disputes Julien Laurens’ idea that Neymar could return to form with a move to the MLS.
– If Man City want to sign Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, 24, this month then they’d have to pay a fee of €80m. (Gianluca Di Marzio)
– Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is being considered by Manchester United if Tyrell Malacia moves to Juventus. (Caught Offside)
– RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško would not consider a loan move to Arsenal, according to his agent. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Napoli are closely monitoring Deportivo La Coruña forward Yeremay Hernandez. Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho remains Napoli’s top target to strengthen their attack as winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to join Paris Saint-Germain, but Yeremay has a €20m release clause. (Calciomercato)
– RB Leipzig have activated the €20m clause in Arthur Vermeeren‘s loan contract to sign him on permanent transfer from Atlético Madrid. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Everton have reached an agreement to sign Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah for €20m. (RMC)
– Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard, who is on loan at Leicester City, has been the subject of a £15m offer from MLS side Atlanta United. (Mail)
– Everton could look to sign former Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham winger Willian, 36, who is a free agent. (Telegraph)
– Al Ahli have agreed a deal in principle to appoint former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach for next season. While the final details of the deal are still being ironed out, a full agreement is “almost there” and a caretaker manager is set to fill the position until Allegri officially takes charge in June. (Fabrizio Romano).
– Juventus could make a move for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori if the Rossoneri sign Manchester United defender Kyle Walker this month. With Walker viewed as a potential centre-back option by new Milan boss Sérgio Conceição, Tomori might soon find himself even further down the pecking order at San Siro, but Feyenoord’s Dávid Hancko has also been heavily linked with Juve in recent weeks. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Nottingham Forest are looking to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa if Taiwo Awoniyi leaves the club to join West Ham. (Telegraph)
