Jose Mourinho has asked Florentino Pérez to sign a Premier League star – and Real Madrid are now ready to go after William Saliba on the direct orders of the Portuguese.
Real Madrid will look to sign Arsenal centre-back William Saliba after reviving interest at the explicit request of Mourinho, who wants to build the world’s best defence. Saliba is one of Mourinho’s most important wishes.
Read: Demands on the front page that Jürgen Klopp immediately replaces Julian Nagelsmann
The sporting management of Chamartín is working behind the scenes to secure the 25-year-old Frenchman. He will join this summer’s already confirmed reinforcements: Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konaté. Mourinho believes the Frenchman is the missing piece to be able to fight for all titles.
Arsenal demand over €150 million
Real Madrid acknowledges that negotiations with Arsenal will require formidable financial efforts. Saliba has a long-term contract until 2030, which gives the London club full control. Arsenal are not willing to let go of one of their key players – unless the player himself pushes and an inevitable bid of over €150 million comes on the table.
To finance such a transfer, Real Madrid are considering selling Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga – both with high market value. The next few weeks will be crucial to see whether cross-border contact can lead to success.
Read on F7: No need to mess any more, Liverpool can call the fantastic Antonio Nusa
The perfect Mourinho defender
Mourinho’s insistence on Saliba is based on a purely methodical assessment. He sees in the Bondy boy the perfect modern centre-back – with extreme skill in open field, undeniable strength in duels and remarkable leadership qualities.
In addition to his impressive physique, Saliba has excellent decision-making and the ability to distribute the ball cleanly – without taking unnecessary risks. These qualities fit perfectly into the deep restructuring that the coaching staff is planning in Valdebebas.
Financial barriers – and hope
The main challenge is Arsenal’s stubborn attitude. The club sees Saliba as an indispensable piece, forcing Real Madrid to dig deep into their wallets to get to the finish line.
The commercial feasibility of the transfer depends entirely on Saliba’s own will. He must formally express his desire to take the step up in his career and join the Galacticos. In Concha Espina, they have full faith that the club’s historical reputation will be the deciding factor.
The phones will go hot between Spain and England in the next few days. Mourinho will not give up – he knows that this signing will give Real Madrid legendary defensive depth. The club will do everything to secure Saliba, and thus the foundation of a team that will dominate world football.
