Real Madrid considering move for Arsenal star as they look to bolster squad in January - Reports

Real Madrid are plotting a move for Arsenal star William Saliba in the January transfer window, according to reports. The club have made the French defender a priority target.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have suffered an injury crisis this season and are currently short of defensive options. Eder Militao tore his ACL in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Osasuna last weekend (Saturday, November 9), and the Brazilian has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

This is their latest setback, with Dani Carvajal and David Alaba out injured with significant knee injuries as well. The former is also set to miss the rest of the campaign after being sidelined last month while the latter is expected to return in January.

According to French outlet Let10 Sport (via Football365), Real Madrid have set their sights on Arsenal's Saliba as a solution to their injury crisis. While the French defender is a priority for Los Blancos for the 2025 summer window, the club are weighing up a potential early bid in January.

Saliba has been a marquee player for Mikel Arteta's side. The France international, who signed with the Gunners in 2019, struggled to establish himself in their first team and was sent on multiple loan spells.

However, he finally made his breakthrough in 2022 and has played a crucial role for Arsenal since, especially in their title challenges. He has made 98 appearances fir the Gunners, registering five goals and two assists.

There hasn't been any indication that the 23-year-old wants to depart the Emirates though, with his contract at the club set to expire only in 2027.

Arsenal prepare course of action to keep William Saliba amid Real Madrid links

While Real Madrid seemed to have stepped up their efforts in pursuit of Saliba's services, Arsenal have prepared a course of action to persuade the Frenchman to remain at the Emirates.

The aforementioned outlet has claimed that the Gunners are willing to offer the 23-year-old a significant pay raise in a new contract. According to TEAMtalk, Saliba earns roughly £190k a week with his existing deal.

However, the France international is reportedly not the highest earner at the Emirates, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus ahead of him with £280k-a-week and £265k-a-week deals, respectively.

The Gunners are hopeful of inducing their star defender to stay in north London amid interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Saliba played every minute of his side's Premier League action last season, helping them maintain 18 clean sheets (98 outings), the most recorded by a player last term.