Real Madrid have moved to open talks with William Saliba's close circle, according to Fabrizio Romano, signalling a serious and concrete push to prise the France international away from Arsenal this summer. The approach comes despite Saliba signing a new long-term contract at the Emirates, and reflects Madrid's urgent need to overhaul a defensive unit that lost David Alaba and has been plagued by injury issues across the backline.
Arsenal are adamant Saliba is not for sale and view him as the cornerstone of their future. The 25-year-old has himself been measured in public, but previously admitted that interest from a club like Real Madrid is always tempting. With the World Cup now underway and Saliba expected to be France's standout performer, Madrid's pursuit is only likely to intensify as the summer builds. Ibrahima Konate has already been signed on a free to cover the position, but Saliba remains Mourinho's primary target.