Florentino Pérez has no doubts: Real Madrid's priority for next season is to improve the center of the defense. This season, the team is suffering in that area and needs a player capable of turning things around. Although the president knows it will be difficult, the chosen one is clear and his name is William Saliba, from Arsenal.
Defensa Central has revealed that Real Madrid "will make an attempt" for William Saliba "next summer". He is the center-back that is most popular at Santiago Bernabéu, although he has a problem: he's also the most expensive one. The idea is to make an initial approach to find out first-hand the price that Arsenal has set for him.
Florentino Pérez's intention has always been not to exceed 50 or 60 million euros in signing a center-back. However, he knows that this will be impossible with Saliba. At 23, he's the best center-back in the Premier League and has a contract with Arsenal until 2027.
In theory, the Gunners would label him as non-transferable. However, everything seems to indicate that, if he refuses to renew his contract, William Saliba could leave for around 100 million euros. This figure is too high for Florentino Pérez, who plans to use his good relations with Arsenal to try to lower the price, even adding some players to the deal.
William Saliba is the Favorite but There's Plan B
Although William Saliba is Madrid's priority, the truth is that Florentino Pérez has other names on the table.
Castello Lukeba recently renewed his contract until June 30, 2029, but he wouldn't be against moving to Real Madrid. At the moment, he's valued at 40 million euros. This a figure that Florentino Pérez is willing to pay to take him immediately if the operation for William Saliba fails.
Florentino Pérez had planned to make this investment last summer transfer market but everything went to waste. The main target was Leny Yoro, for whom he offered 35 million euros as he was one year away from the end of his contract. In the end, the Frenchman went to Manchester United, which paid double that amount. Lille fulfilled its objective.
William Saliba has become the big favorite, but Real Madrid will analyze everything calmly.