Real Madrid suffer blow as key target is set to sign new deal with Premier League club - Reports

Real Madrid have reportedly suffered a setback in their pursuit of star Arsenal defender William Saliba. In his recent comments, the Frenchman has committed to the Gunners for the near future, calling the Emirates his 'home'.

In the summer of 2019, Saliba moved to Arsenal from St-Etienne for a reported £27 million. He was immediately loaned back to the French side, and later to fellow Ligue 1 sides OGC Nice and Olympique Marseille.

After his return from Marseille in 2022, he immediately became an important player in Mikel Arteta's squad. He has since made 102 appearances across competitions for the Gunners.

Saliba signed a contract extension in the summer of 2023, keeping him at Arsenal until the end of the 2026-27 season. Although the Gunners have the advantage, Real Madrid were confident in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

However, after recent comments, it is becoming increasingly likely that Saliba will not be entertaining a move away from north London. In a recent conversation with The Mirror about his future, he said (via The Sun):

"I feel at home here (at Arsenal). I signed for the club five years ago but it's only my third season and I'm enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans."

Real Madrid's defensive stocks were thin to begin with, and have continued to deplete through the 2024-25 campaign. David Alaba has been out with a long-term knee injury, while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal each suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear this season.

They remain keen on adding defensive cover in the January transfer window. RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba, Roma's Mario Hermoso, and Palmeiras youngster Vitor Reis have been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Real Madrid interested in signing star Manchester United star to strengthen defense - Reports

According to reports from TBRFootball (via The Hard Tackle), Real Madrid are believed to be interested in signing Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez.

The Red Devils signed Martinez from Dutch side Ajax in the summer of 2022, in a deal worth a reported £48.5 million plus £8.5 million in add-ons (via Sky Sports). Despite being sidelined for nearly 40 games with a host of injuries, the Argentine defender has looked solid in his 78 appearances for United thus far.

Newly-appointed manager Ruben Amorim is seemingly keen on keeping the 26-year-old as a key part of his project at the club. However, Real Madrid are seriously weighing up the prospect of moving for the centre-back.

While David Alaba is set to return from his long-term knee injury in January, Real are still in desperate need of defensive depth. Los Blancos are considering Martinez's Argentina teammate and Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero as another potential option to strengthen their backline.

Martinez's contract at Old Trafford lasts until 2027, giving Manchester United the ability to recoup a sizeable fee if Real Madrid make a serious move for him.