Real Madrid hasn't stopped planning its squad, even though the summer transfer window has already closed. The secret to Florentino Pérez's great success lies in never standing still and always staying active, something he has shown once again. For some time now, the plans at Santiago Bernabéu have involved strengthening the center of the defense, and there are two clear targets in mind: Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool) and William Saliba (Arsenal).
Roadmap prepared
José Félix Díaz, journalist for "Marca", has spoken out on Rubén Martín's Twitch channel. He has revealed Real Madrid's plan with the two center-backs, even setting a date for their arrival at Bernabéu.
The one who seems likely to wear Real Madrid's jersey sooner is Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract ends in 2026. So far, he has rejected all the contract renewal offers he has received from Liverpool and already sees himself playing in the Spanish capital.
Meanwhile, and always according to José Félix Díaz, the plan with William Saliba remains the same: wait until 2027. That is when his contract with Arsenal ends, and he still hasn't renewed.
"Real Madrid's strategy is clear: Konaté should come in 2026 and Saliba the following year, that is, in 2027," José Félix Díaz said emphatically.
Total fit
William Saliba's name keeps coming up around Real Madrid. At 24, the French defender has established himself as one of the best center-backs in the world thanks to his impressive physique, quickness in challenges, and reading of the game. At Arsenal, he has become an indispensable piece, but at the White House, they believe his profile would be ideal to strengthen its backline.
In Madrid, they are already studying how he could fit alongside two defenders who are also part of the club's plans: Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konaté. The combination of the three would offer guarantees both in the present and the future. William Saliba would bring authority and leadership, Dean Huijsen would provide elegance in playing out from the back, while Konaté would add power and physical ability in one-on-one duels.
The interest in Saliba is no surprise, since Madrid has always sought dominant center-backs who recall the golden eras of Sergio Ramos or Pepe. In this case, the Frenchman meets all the requirements: forceful, fast, and with personality. In addition, his maturity despite his youth makes him a defender capable of keeping the team together in the most difficult moments.
Florentino Pérez knows it won't be easy to get him out of Arsenal... but at Santiago Bernabéu, there is a conviction that William Saliba would be a strategic signing to consolidate the White defense for the next decade.