Real Madrid to sign SECOND Premier League centre back

Carlo Garganese
Carlo Garganese
  • Updated: 18 May 2025 12:59 BST
  • 4 min read
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, 2024/25
© IMAGO

Real Madrid hope to sign a second top centre back from the Premier League this summer, according to Marca.

Article continues under the video

This week, Madrid announced the signing of wonderkid Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.

Current ETV
Player image Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B

B'mouth

Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B

B'mouth

€55M

ETV Range

€49.5M - €60.5M

Los Blancos beat a host of Premier League clubs to land the 20-year-old Spain international.

The Bernabeu side triggered Huijsen’s release clause of €60 million (£50m) to complete the move, with the centre-back having signed a five-year contract with the legendary club that will expire in 2030.

Huijsen became Los Blancos’ first official signing of the summer, with Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to follow as a free agent in a matter of days.

However, Marca reports that Madrid plan to sign another centre back this summer from the Premier League.

Their top target remains Arsenal star William Saliba.

Current ETV
Player image William Saliba
William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal logo

Arsenal

William Saliba
William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal

Arsenal

€79.5M

ETV Range

€59.6M - €99.4M

Marca reports that Madrid president Florentino Perez has given the go-ahead for the club to go all-in for the Arsenal defender at the end of the season, while RMC Sport say that Madrid are prepared to make Saliba the most expensive defender in football history.

Saliba is understood to be open to a move to Madrid and his contract situation also puts Arsenal in difficulty.

Saliba's contract at Arsenal expires in 2027, though, meaning that the Gunners need to extend his deal soon.

William Saliba is Real Madrid's top target
© IMAGO - William Saliba is Real Madrid's top target

Arsenal have no intention to sell Saliba but realise that they are in a delicate situation due to his contract.

If Madrid can’t complete a deal this summer, they are prepared to make another move next year.

Madrid are spending big in defence this summer after a disappointing season where they plagued by injuries in their backline, leading the club to win neither the Champions League nor La Liga.

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