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Saliba lowers salary demands to join Real Madrid THIS SUMMER
Carlo Garganese
- Updated: 23 Jul 2025 20:38 BST
- 4 min read
News
William Saliba is pushing to join Real Madrid, who could make a big-money move for their long-term target as early as this summer.
Marca reports that a new centre back signing is a priority for Real Madrid before the end of the summer window, despite the signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
Current ETV
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€59.6M - €99.4M
There are concerns following the Club World Cup that Madrid's defence is still too leaky.
Madrid's number one target to strengthen the centre of defence has long been Saliba and Marca says they could attempt to sign him in the next month.
Saliba to Real Madrid?
A deal won't be easy as Madrid are aware that the cost will be astronomical.
However, Marca says that Saliba is prepared to make a financial sacrifice by lowering his wages to try and make the move happen this summer.
Saliba is keen to make the move and has still not signed a contract renewal with Arsenal, as his deal expires in 2027.
Madrid's initial plan had been to wait until he is in the final year of his contract before tabling an official bid - and this still seems the most likely event.
But, given Madrid's concerns over their defence they could move their offer forward by 12 months.
Marca reported earlier this summer that Madrid president Florentino Perez has given the go-ahead for the club to go all-in for the Arsenal defender.
RMC also claimed that Madrid are prepared to make Saliba the most expensive defender in football history.
This would mean Madrid paying more than the €87 million that Man Utd paid for Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019.
Saliba is understood to be open to a move to Madrid and his contract situation also puts Arsenal in difficulty.
Saliba has been integral to Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta in recent years and is considered by many as the best defender in the Premier League.
He has formed arguably the strongest centre back partnership in England alongside Gabriel.
Saliba at Arsenal
The 24-year-old Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27 million.
After a series of loans, he established himself as a key player from the 2022-23 season as Arsenal twice finished runners-up in the Premier League.
He has made 134 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals.
Saliba has also become a first-team starter for France this year, playing in their journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
He has won 28 caps for France and was also part of their squad for the 2022 World Cup where they reached the final.
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