Real Madrid reportedly want to sign Arsenal centre-back William Saliba during the summer transfer window. 

Saliba, 23, has become one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Last season, he helped Arsenal concede the least goals of any team in the division.

The French international has made 33 appearances for Mikel Arteta‘s side this season, scoring two Premier League goals, and one in the FA Cup.

The Gunners have now been eliminated from the Carabao Cup, and FA Cup, and will turn their attention to the Premier League and Champions League.

They currently sit second in the league, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. They are also in the round of 16 of the Champions League, where they will face one of AC Milan, Juventus, Feyenoord or PSV.

However, they will be keeping an eye on Real Madrid, who play against Manchester City, as reports have suggested that the La Liga giants are preparing to make a huge summer bid to sign Saliba.

Real Madrid will have to break world record to sign Saliba

According to a recent report by French outlet RMC, Madrid have already made their summer shortlist, which includes Saliba as an “absolute priority”.

Winger Vinicius Jr looks set to move to the Saudi Pro League for over €220 million, meaning that they will re-invest those funds in trying to improve their defence.

The report says that due to Arsenal being reluctant to sell Saliba, if Madrid were to sign him, they would have to pay a fee which would make the 23-year-old the most expensive defender in history.

The current record belongs to Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, who moved to the Etihad for a fee of £75m, narrowly surpassing the £72.5m that Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire. Real Madrid will likely have to buy Saliba for more than both of these.

Click here to see every Premier League club’s January transfer window incomings and outgoings.