La Liga side Real Madrid are highly impressed with Arsenal defender William Saliba and have been monitoring him for a while now, according to GIVEMESPORT. However, the Spanish club might not launch a move in the summer as they have other areas to strengthen.

William Saliba has established himself at the highest level

William Saliba signed for Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019 for a fee of £27 million. However, he didn’t find instant success at his new home and had to struggle a lot. He even considered exiting the club before he finally got his breakthrough season in 2022/23.

Arsenal’s French defender #02 William Saliba warms up prior to the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 28, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

The French defender has emerged as a mainstay defender for the side. He has been instrumental in the club’s success over the past two seasons. He has featured in 44 games this season, netting twice and providing an assist.

Saliba is averaging 0.9 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, and 2.1 clearances per game (stats via whoscored). He focuses more on positioning and timing rather than throwing himself into tackles. He also finds himself comfortable on the ball and has good passing accuracy.

A good pick for Real Madrid

Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on William Saliba as they believe he could be a long-term solution in the defensive unit. Their thinking is understandable as the likes of Nacho, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are well into their thirties.

The Whites will need to bring a quality long-term partner for Eder Militao. Hence, the arrival of the 23-year-old can be a good move. Saliba has already proved himself in the English league against quality sides. He has shown that he has all the tools required to serve a top side for a long time.

However, the Spanish club aren’t keen on making a move in the coming summer. They want to wait for a season or two before acquiring his services. Real Madrid aren’t alone in the race as a couple of other European clubs are also interested in the youngster, who will cost over €80 million.