Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, is interested in an Arsenal player for £86 million who is vital for Mikkel Arteta.
Arsenal prepares for a big summer transfer window
Sporting director Edu is expected to manage a busy summer transfer window at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners likely to rebuild a few key sections of Arteta’s squad.
The north Londoners’ defence might look slightly different next season, as Arsenal are expected to replace custodian Aaron Ramsdale, who was demoted to the bench this season in favour of David Raya.
According to Standard Sport, Arsenal will aim to sign another defender. Ben White has flourished at right-back under Arteta this season, but it is understood they are looking for a more natural full-back option on that side.
Girona defender Yan Couto, like Turkey international Ferdi Kadioglu before him, has been connected with Arsenal this week, and it is not impossible that they may sign a new centre-back as well. Sporting Lisbon prospect Ousmane Diomande is reported to be a target for Edu in that respect, although if he does come, he will face a difficult time breaking into the first squad.
The Ivory Coast ace is behind Gabriel and William Saliba in the pecking order, with the Arsenal two forging a solid relationship since the start of 2022/2023. Few anticipated the Frenchman, who spent the previous season on loan at Marseille, to come in and play such an important role.
Saliba is now an important component of Arteta’s starting eleven, having played every league game this season, and many believe his injury at the conclusion of last season was a major reason Arsenal lost the title to Manchester City that year.
The 23-year-old’s form hasn’t gone unnoticed across Europe, and it is now believed Ancelotti has taken a personal interest.
Ancelotti considering a move for Real Madrid’s Saliba
According to CaughtOffside, Ancelotti personally admires Saliba, and Real Madrid is considering a transfer, but they will be disappointed. Arsenal have no intention of moving their star defender, who is valued at roughly £86 million, and intend to extend his contract to further bind him down.
“His attitude, the way he came in and said I’m going to prove that I’m very good and I deserve to be here,” said Arteta on Saliba’s excellent form over the last two years.
“Without any looking back or being shy, he was doing it the right way and giving the right reasons to think that he was going to be really good for us. He had an immediate impact. The first two training sessions that we looked at home we went: There’s huge potential here.
“He took out every question mark that we could have with him and gave us all the reasons to play him. And I think he’s been exceptional since that day.”
