Real Madrid prepare record William Saliba transfer offer | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made William Saliba their priority defensive target for the upcoming summer transfer window, a report in France has claimed.

Centre-back injuries have been a huge problem for Real Madrid in recent seasons. Eder Militao has suffered his second ACL injury in as many campaigns, while David Alaba's return to the sidelines after missing over an entire year with his own knee issue prompted manager Carlo Ancelotti to declare his side were facing an "emergency".

With the impending summer release of Jesus Vallejo set to leave them with only three senior centre-backs, Madrid are expected to reinforce at the back this summer and RMC Sport state those calling the shots have set their sights firmly on Saliba.

Described as the "absolute priority in defence", Saliba has been linked with both Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the past, but Arsenal have never entertained his departure and are expected to stand firm once again.

The Gunners are expected to warn Madrid that it will take an astronomical offer for them to even consider parting ways with Saliba, whose exit from the Emirates Stadium is only likely to be authorised if Madrid are prepared to make him the most expensive defender in history.

Harry Maguire's £80m move to Manchester United in 2019 remains the record for a defender and Saliba, whose contract runs until 2027, will command a higher fee if he is to depart Arsenal this summer.

Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger has described Saliba as one of the best defenders in the world, admitting he would be keen to line up alongside the Frenchman in the near future.