Florentino Pérez doesn't want to waste time and has started working on it, already indicating what his priority will be to solve Real Madrid's future. Having secured the arrival of Arnold to strengthen the right side of the defense, what the president now wants is to solve the future of the center-back position. It is not a priority for the next summer market, but it is for 2026, when this signing will be necessary.
A year ago, they wanted to solve this situation by signing Leny Yoro, who ended up at Manchester United and the emergence of Raúl Asencio has temporarily saved the situation. Florentino knows, though, that he will have to spend a lot of money to strengthen the defensive line. That's why, according to Relevo, Real Madrid has identified William Saliba as their priority for 2026.
William Saliba, the chosen one at Real Madrid
Despite Asencio's emergence, changes are needed in the defense. David Alaba is 32 years old and Rüdiger is 31. Both end their contracts in 2026, so they could leave Real Madrid sooner rather than later.
There's also the case of Eder Militão. After having suffered two serious injuries in recent years, he sees his future in the world of soccer as uncertain.
For all these reasons, at Real Madrid, signing a central defender is considered a priority, with William Saliba being the chosen one. It won't be easy: he is valued at around 80 million euros and Arsenal doesn't want to sell him. At 23 years old, he has a contract there until 2027 and is clear that he won't force a departure.
William Saliba is highly regarded, and they hope to initiate contact with him in the coming months. The idea is to try to see what his availability is and if he would want to play at Real Madrid.
Florentino plays an important card: the figure of Mbappé. Both born in Bondy, they maintain a good friendship and would love to share a team.
William Saliba, a wall for Real Madrid
What Real Madrid seeks is to secure the future of the center-back position for the coming years. William Saliba is 23, Raúl Asencio just turned 22, and the youth academy is not overlooked.
It is expected that Joan Martínez will soon recover from his long-term injury, suffered during the preseason. There are high hopes placed on him, as he will reach adulthood next August. The plan is clear at Real Madrid and work is being done on it, although the arrival of William Saliba will be key.