Real Madrid’s scouting network has been put on high alert, with a directive to address their long-term defensive strategy. The Spanish giants have been advised to look no further than Arsenal’s William Saliba to solve their defensive woes for the next decade.
Real Madrid urged to spend £67m on Arsenal star to ‘solve 10-year issue’:
Arsenal’s Recent Form
Despite a robust start to the season, Arsenal have hit a rough patch, securing only two points from their last four Premier League matches. This dip in form, however, has not overshadowed the formidable partnership at the back between William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Their synergy had previously propelled Arsenal to the top of the defensive rankings in the Premier League.
Injury Crisis at Real Madrid
The urgency for Real Madrid to bolster their defense stems from recent injuries to key players Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal. Both defenders are sidelined for the remainder of the season, leaving a significant gap in the squad’s backline. This situation has prompted Real Madrid to explore the transfer market sooner rather than later.
Transfer Window Strategies
While the January transfer window presents an opportunity for immediate reinforcement, former Athletic Bilbao sporting director Rafael Alkorta has suggested a more strategic approach. Speaking to Cadena SER, Alkorta advised, “I wouldn’t sign in January, I would wait and consider Aymeric Laporte as an option.” However, he emphasized the long-term benefits of investing in Saliba, stating, “Maybe you have to spend €80 million (£66.5m) on a guy like Saliba who will give you 10 more years of service. Real Madrid rarely make mistakes in that regard.”
Laporte’s European Ambitions
Aymeric Laporte, currently at Al-Nassr, has expressed his desire to return to Europe, which has naturally led to speculation linking him with Real Madrid. Despite the interest, Laporte’s awareness of Real Madrid’s intentions seems limited. He mentioned this week, “I’m not very aware of it. I’ve only read the same thing as you, so there’s no problem.”
PSG’s Bid for Saliba
Adding another layer to the transfer saga, Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly tabled a €95m (£80m) offer for Saliba earlier this month. However, the French club’s efforts might be in vain as Arsenal view Saliba as a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s project. The Gunners are expected to resist any attempts to pry away their young star, recognizing his integral role in their future plans.
Real Madrid stands at a crossroads where immediate needs clash with long-term planning. While a move for Laporte could provide a quick fix, the advice from seasoned insiders like Alkorta leans towards patience for a potentially more rewarding acquisition in Saliba. If Real Madrid opts to follow this advice, they might not only solve their current defensive issues but also secure a future cornerstone for their backline for the next decade. The coming transfer windows will be telling of how the club navigates this complex decision, balancing between the urgent and the strategic.
