Real Madrid closes Arsenal's "steel shield", detonates 100 million Euro blockbuster

According to MARCA, Saliba has been identified as the number one target to strengthen the defense of the Royal Spanish team. President Perez has clearly instructed that Real will do everything possible to recruit the French midfielder next summer. Both Arsenal, Saliba and Real are clearly aware of this serious interest.

However, Real Madrid are taking every step discreetly. With Arsenal still competing in both the Premier League and Champions League, Los Blancos have avoided making any public moves. The scouting team under Juni Calafat has been quietly monitoring Saliba's form closely over the past period.

Saliba is considered the perfect piece for Real Madrid's defense in the new era, after the gradual departure of veterans like Carvajal and Nacho. However, recruiting the 23-year-old star is not simple. Saliba's current contract with Arsenal is valid until 2027, and the London team is determined to keep him with a long-term plan.

If Real want to succeed, they will have to make an attractive offer. Some sources say Arsenal will only consider a price in excess of 100 million euros - a figure big enough to make the Gunners think.

There is strong support within Real Madrid for the deal. Antonio Rudiger, the club's defensive stalwart, has publicly stated that Saliba is the player he wants the club to sign. "If I could choose anyone, I would choose Saliba," Rudiger said, further raising expectations among fans.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, there are currently no official negotiations between the parties. Romano also stressed that Saliba is currently happy at Arsenal and has no plans to leave.

In the context of Arsenal competing fiercely with Manchester City in the Premier League and going deep in the Champions League, keeping Saliba is strategically important for the long-term ambitions of Mikel Arteta and the whole team.