Real Madrid retain interest in Premier League defender – report | OneFootball

There has been a lot of noise surrounding Real Madrid’s interest in Ibrahima Konate lately.

The Frenchman is currently in the final year of his contract at Liverpool, with multiple reports suggesting that he will join Real Madrid as a free agent next summer.

Real Madrid are interested in signing Konate this summer as well, but Liverpool are holding out for a hefty price tag for the French international.

However, Konate is not the only Premier League centre-back Real Madrid are keeping an eye on.

Real Madrid remain interested in Saliba

According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid are also monitoring the progress of William Saliba, who had emerged as the club’s top defensive target earlier in the summer.

Real Madrid, in fact, were determined to sign Saliba as part of their plans to shore up their defensive unit. However, he ended up becoming too expensive for the club.

William Saliba remains a top target for Real Madrid (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As a result, Real Madrid opted to sign Bournemouth youth prodigy Dean Huijsen, who has done a decent job since joining the club before the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Spanish giants, though, are determined to add more defensive firepower, perhaps in the summer of 2026.

That is where Saliba might come into the picture once again. The Frenchman is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, having played a key role in Arsenal’s success under Mikel Arteta.

That said, Saliba may still cost a fortune next summer as the Frenchman has a long-term contract at Arsenal, which doesn’t expire until 2027.

Therefore, unless Real Madrid are willing to break the bank for Saliba next summer, Ibrahima Konate is likely to remain the club’s top defensive target in 2026, providing the Liverpool star doesn’t join this summer.