Real Madrid are targeting their next free transfer as they close in on the stunning signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Real are finalising the transfer of Alexander-Arnold, who appears set to join the Spanish giants when his contract expires this summer.
Discussions over the protracted transfer are ongoing as they look to secure his services before the start of next season.
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But Real could fork out a fee to complete a deal before his Liverpool deal runs out.
It continues Real's trend of capturing the best players in the world via free transfers, having acquired the likes of Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger without paying transfer fees.
And the club are already plotting their next transfer in what would be a major signing.
According to The Athletic, Real are 'keen' on William Saliba and are 'keeping an eye' on him.
They hope to land the Arsenal defender on a free transfer when his contract expires in 2027, with Rudiger endorsing his side's pursuit.
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Real will explore their options in 2026 before pursuing a free transfer in 2027. A move this summer is unlikely.
Arsenal, however, hope to tie Saliba down to a new contract.
Real witnessed Saliba's ability close-up as they suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League.
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The 24-year-old isn't the only defender on Real's radar as they are also looking at Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba and Ajax's Jorrel Hato.
Saliba, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in world football following his stellar performances in the Premier League.
He joined the Emirates outfit for £27 million in the summer of 2019 and was sent out on loan to Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille before returning to North London.
Saliba has played 94 games in England's top flight and is an extremely vital player in Mikel Arteta's set-up.
Topics: Real Madrid, William Saliba, Football, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Nasir Jabbar