Real Madrid linked with Arsenal’s William Saliba

Real Madrid may look to sign Arsenal defender William Saliba as a long-term replacement for Raphael Varane, claim reports.

The 18-year-old was signed by the Gunners this summer in a €30m deal from Saint-Etienne, whom they immediately loaned him back to on a season-long loan deal.

The structure of that deal and apparent long-term planning suggests that such a move away from North London should be met with scepticism, but Defensa Central insists he is on Madrid’s radar.

This apparently comes under the instruction of Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane, who has identified his fellow Frencman Saliba alongside two other young French defenders as potential targets.

Two other teenagers, Benoit Badiashile and Boubacar Kamara – of Monaco and Marseille respectively – are also said to make up the shortlist compiled by Zidane.

It should be noted that Madrid invested heavily in their defence this summer with the €50m purchase of Eder Militao from FC Porto.

Image via Football.London

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