In a stunning revelation from Spanish outlet Marca, Real Madrid are reportedly planning an audacious defensive overhaul this summer by targeting not one, but two of the Premier League’s elite centre-backs: Arsenal’s William Saliba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté.
The long-running saga involving Konaté is set to accelerate, with Madrid now considering a formal offer in the coming weeks. At Liverpool, there is a growing belief that the player has already been convinced to join the Spanish giants, putting the English club in a difficult position. They remain determined not to sell him cheaply but are also desperate to avoid losing him for free when his contract expires in 2026.
In an even more ambitious move, Madrid are also targeting Arsenal’s defensive rock, William Saliba. The pursuit of the French international is reportedly gaining serious momentum within the club.
Crucially, a potential deal for Saliba is boosted by the news that the player himself is “ready to make a financial effort” (i.e., take a pay cut) to facilitate the move to the Bernabéu. His clear desire to join has, in turn, made Real Madrid “increasingly motivated” to complete the signing.
Real Madrid’s summer plans are incredibly ambitious. Their aim to sign both Saliba and Konaté would represent one of the most significant defensive rebuilds in modern football history and would send a powerful message to the rest of Europe. The coming weeks will be crucial as they attempt to pull off this sensational double transfer.