Real Madrid keeping tabs on €80 million-rated Ballon d’Or nominee – report

Real Madrid’s lack of depth in the centre-back has once again been exposed as they are left with only Antonio Rudiger as the fully fit senior central defender.

Indeed, David Alaba is still recovering from the ACL injury he sustained last year while Jesus Vallejo has been bothered by niggling fitness woes since the summer.

More recently, Eder Militao suffered an injury while with Brazil while youngster Jacobo Ramon has also been sidelined with a muscle issue, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with very few options.

To avoid this situation, Real Madrid tried to sign a centre-back this past summer but ended up not recruiting any after missing out on Leny Yoro.

William Saliba on the radars

However, one of the players that Real Madrid had their eyes on in the recent past could again become a target for next year.

Indeed, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Real Madrid are still keeping tabs on Arsenal and France centre-back William Saliba with the view of signing him in the future.

As per the report, Real Madrid are great admirers of the Frenchman, who has established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe currently.

As such, Los Blancos have been regularly sending out scouts to watch the 23-year-old Ballon d’Or nominee in action – most recently during Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

Saliba, though, has a contract with Arsenal that runs until the summer of 2027 and it will take a huge offer from Real Madrid to even get the Gunners to consider the possibility of a sale.

For now, though, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe are closely tracking Saliba and are following his development.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication