Real Madrid eye William Saliba from Arsenal and Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool

Real Madrid have re-established their reputation in European football in the last few years. Their performance in the Champions League and La Liga has put them back in the league of top clubs. The club has strengthened the spine of the team by including names like Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger. Now that Xabi Alonso has taken charge of the team, the focus is on balancing the team, especially in midfield and defence.

Real’s attack looked very dangerous last season, but there were frequent injuries and a lack of stability in the backline. On the other hand, Arsenal and Liverpool have also improved their defense at their respective levels. Arsenal built a strong backline last season on the strength of Saliba, while Konate emerged as a physical and technical centre-back for Liverpool. In such a situation, Real Madrid are now thinking in the direction from which they can get strength and the team becomes sustainable for a long time.

Perez’s strategy: €150 million bet on Saliba and Konate:  Real Madrid sign Saliba, Real Madrid bid for Konate, Real Madrid transfer budget 2025 

According to a report by Fichajes, Real Madrid has reserved €150 million for Arsenal’s William Saliba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate. The club wants Xabi Alonso to have depth in defence so that he can work in the back-three. Konate is in the final year of his contract at Liverpool, and the club wants to see a response by making an initial bid of €50 million. If the deal is not done, they are planning to take him as a free agent next summer.

William Saliba’s case is a bit complicated. Perez views him as a key target and has €100 million budgeted for him. But Arsenal are set to offer him a new high-wage contract. The French centre-back has been a key part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the past two seasons. His positioning, cool-headed defending and long passing could make him a perfect fit in Real’s system.

Should Arsenal and Liverpool sell their star defenders? 

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For Arsenal, Saliba is not just a defender but the anchor of the team’s defensive line. He has earned his own place in Arteta’s plans. Selling him does not seem logical at the moment, especially when the North London club is constantly putting themselves in the trophy race. Saliba’s departure would not only weaken their backline but also threaten stability for future seasons.

Konate’s case is a little different. He has stood up strongly for Liverpool at times, but his injuries have been a cause for concern. If Real come up with a satisfactory offer, Slot might consider going ahead with the deal. The club are already looking for young defenders, and the money they would get in exchange for Konate could inject new energy into the squad. However, both clubs will have to decide whether or not they want to let go of their most trusted defenders at the moment.