Real Madrid are reportedly huge admirers of William Saliba, with the Spanish and European champions 'scouting' the Arsenal centre-back ahead of a potential move next summer.

Los Blancos are expected to sign a new central defender in 2025, as the club are currently short of options in that area of the field following Nacho's departure on a free transfer.

According to TBR Football, Real Madrid have identified Saliba as a transfer target, with the capital giants closely monitoring the Frenchman's development at Arsenal.

The report claims that Los Blancos had representatives at Arsenal's recent Premier League clash with Aston Villa to watch Saliba, who has starred for the Gunners in the last two seasons.

Saliba made 33 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side during the 2022-23 campaign after returning from a loan spell at Marseille, while he made 50 outings in all competitions last term.

Real Madrid 'identify' Saliba as leading transfer target

The Frenchman has been named in the PFA Team of the Year in each of the last two seasons, while he was included in the European Championship Team of the Tournament at Euro 2024.

Saliba has also made a strong start to this term, helping Arsenal to keep two clean sheets in their opening three matches of the new Premier League season.

The 6ft 4in centre-back has a contract with the Gunners until June 2027, but it will be difficult for his club to resist interest from Real Madrid if the Spanish giants come calling next summer.

Saliba, who is valued at £67.5m by transfermarkt, spent time on loan with Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille before becoming a first-team player at Arsenal.

Will Real Madrid be busy next summer?

Despite the blockbuster arrival of Kylian Mbappe, and a deal for excellent teenage talent Endrick, the 2024 transfer window proved to be relatively quiet for Real Madrid, at least in terms of numbers.

Next summer, though, there are expected to be multiple incomings, as the club want to sign a new centre-back and a central midfielder, with Luka Modric unlikely to sign another contract.

Los Blancos are also said to be keen to bring in a long-term replacement for number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, with Brighton & Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen believed to be viewed as their leading target.

Real Madrid will once again be the team to beat in La Liga and the Champions League this season, but the club are also planning for the future, as they look to remain consistent challengers for the biggest trophies.