Real Madrid’s pursuit of top defensive targets suffers a setback

The ongoing rumors surrounding Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba in Spain suggest that there is a certain uncertainty about Real Madrid’s current defensive options, and I try not to use the word “doubt”. However, signing the Arsenal defender is looking more and more like an impossible task.

The one who may cause Real Madrid to lose Saliba is likely to be a former Atletico Madrid player. Real Madrid has listed Saliba and Liverpool’s Konate as the two major targets to strengthen the defense, and Konate’s contract expires next summer. Real Madrid and Konate have both tried to retain their star defenders by offering high-priced new contracts, as there are rumors that Real Madrid may sign one of them this summer.

Arsenal’s rumours of Real Madrid eased

Last week, it was reported that Arsenal is not worried about the rumors of Real Madrid’s interest. This is despite Real Madrid being described as the “only club” Saliba would be willing to join if he leaves the Gunners in recent months, and there are reports that his agent has met with Real Madrid to discuss the details of the contract terms. New sporting director Andrea Berta left Atletico Madrid in January and is now in charge of contract renewals.

William Saliba on his future at Arsenal

It is known that Arsenal are in talks with Saliba about a contract extension, with his contract expiring in 2027. In an interview with AFTV (via Just Arsenal), Saliba was asked at the club’s pre-season training camp when he would sign a new contract. “Hopefully soon!” “God is great,” Saliba explained, before saying “we will try to win everything this year”.

Will Real Madrid chase Konate?

The word from the Spanish capital is that no new players will arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu unless other players leave. If Liverpool cannot complete the contract extension with Konate and decide to sell Konate this summer, the two clubs may open negotiations.