Real Madrid didn't measure up in their clash with Arsenal. Throughout the knockout stage, the lack of solidity at the back was evident. The Londoners set their pace, neutralizing the strengths of the white team for 180 minutes.
Florentino Pérez Takes Note After Champions League Exit
Florentino Pérez has carefully analyzed what happened and is already thinking about structural changes. Carlo Ancelotti's future is hanging in the air, and his departure seems closer than ever. Florentino Pérez understands that with a new coach will also come new requests and demands.
The first objective is clear: strengthen the defense with a world-class signing. Real Madrid needs a center-back who commands respect and corrects constant errors. The knockout stage against Arsenal has left a name marked in red for the summer market.
William Saliba Shines and Becomes a Priority
William Saliba was the best on the field in both matches and left the white strikers without ideas. Neither Kylian Mbappé nor Vinícius Júnior managed to surpass him in either of the two games. At just 24 years old, the Frenchman has proven to be among the best on the planet in his position.
Real Madrid, Arsenal, William Saliba, and Florentino Pérez: Heading to the Market
Florentino Pérez has already started making moves to try to sign him as soon as possible. It won't be easy, as Arsenal considers him untouchable and demands more than 100M euros. Even so, the top merengue leader doesn't want to wait until 2027, when his contract ends.
At Bernabéu, they know that a profile like his doesn't appear every day. Saliba combines physicality, intelligence, and a tremendous ability to anticipate. Sources close to his environment assure that "he is very good" and that his evolution hasn't yet reached its peak.
An Operation That Could Change the White Defense
Real Madrid has been looking for a reference center-back to lead the defense for some time. Militao and Rüdiger have offered a remarkable level, but they need a partner of the highest level. Saliba fits perfectly into the profile Madrid is looking for: young, established, and with room for improvement.
Florentino knows it's a significant investment, but he believes it's worth every euro. If Arsenal stands firm, he will wait for his opportunity, although it wouldn't be ideal. Florentino's desire is to see him in white this very summer, leading a new project.
The Future Begins This Summer at Santiago Bernabéu
The elimination has been painful, but it has served to clearly identify the shortcomings. Florentino wants Real Madrid to make a definitive leap in Europe next season. To achieve this, he knows that signing Saliba could be the key piece that changes everything.