Florentino’s Dream: The Arsenal star who could join Real Madrid

According to reports from Fichajes.net, Florentino Perez returned from London with one clear thought in mind: William Saliba must wear the Real Madrid shirt. Despite the heavy blow of losing to Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, the Madrid president did not come back empty-handed. Amid the storm the Gunners unleashed, one thing stood out.

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The French centre-back was the true leader of Mikel Arteta’s defence. Unbeatable in one-on-one duels, dominant in the air, and showing a calm authority well beyond his years, Saliba became the silent commander of an Arsenal side that swept past Carlo Ancelotti’s men. That performance left a lasting impression, and it’s sparked serious interest at the Santiago Bernabeu. Perez sees a defender with the Real Madrid DNA.

With the summer transfer window approaching, the club is already working on strengthening its backline, and Saliba’s name is now firmly on the table. At just 23 years old, he brings a rare mix of youth, composure and top-level experience. Exactly the kind of profile Madrid want as they look to refresh their defence without sacrificing quality.

Perez knows it won’t be easy. Saliba is a key figure at Arsenal and central to the club’s long-term project. But at the same time, Real Madrid have their own pull. And in these kinds of transfers, a player’s desire can often tilt the balance.

There are no formal talks yet, but the interest is genuine. In Valdebebas, preparations have already begun to try and turn the president’s latest wish into reality.

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Florentino falls for Saliba after watching him dominate in London

The French defender left such a strong impression against Real Madrid that his name is now echoing through the corridors of the Bernabeu. This summer could be a turning point, and Perez does not want to be left behind in the race to reinforce the back four.