Real Madrid are actively seeking a new centre-back this summer but have no intention of paying high transfer fees for Arsenal’s William Saliba or Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, according to Marca.
Instead, the Spanish giants plan to wait until both defenders enter the final year of their contracts before making a move. Saliba’s current deal with Arsenal runs until 2027, giving the Gunners some breathing room, although the French defender is reportedly stalling on a renewal, possibly to assess the club’s ability to deliver trophies.
Konaté’s situation is more pressing for Liverpool, with his contract expiring in 2026. Talks have reportedly taken place between the Reds and the French defender, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Both players are key figures for their clubs and the French national team, with Saliba anchoring Arsenal’s league-best defense and Konaté forming a reliable partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.
Real Madrid’s strategy is clear: rather than spending upwards of €80–100 million now, they aim to capitalize later if either player becomes available for a reduced fee or potentially on a free transfer. This puts pressure on Arsenal and Liverpool to tie their stars down long-term or risk losing them to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Would you like a breakdown of how Saliba and Konaté compare statistically this season?