As Real Madrid gear up for the final two weeks of the transfer market, much of the focus has been on the future of Rodrygo.
The Brazilian international has so far resisted the idea of leaving Real Madrid so far, but continues to be linked with a move to some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Real Madrid, to that end, are perhaps antimidating a late departure as well, which is why the club have recently tried to leverage the forward’s exit to make an approach for one of their top defensive targets.
Real Madrid offer for Arsenal rejected
As per reports relayed by The Touchline, Real Madrid had contacted Arsenal on Wednesday night over a potential deal for William Saliba.
The French international has been on Real Madrid’s radar for quite some time now and was, in fact, the club’s top defensive target earlier in the summer.
During the talks with Arsenal, Real Madrid proposed the idea of a swap deal involving Saliba and Rodrygo – something the English club vehemently rejected.
Regarded as one of Premier League’s best defenders, Saliba has been instrumental in Arsenal’s recent success under Mikel Arteta.
Real Madrid, to that end, view Saliba as a key defensive target as they look to add fresh blood to a defensive line that relies heavily on aged stars such as Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.
New coach Xabi Alonso is determined to make the Real Madrid team go through a transition at the back, with the head coach notably bringing in Dean Huijsen earlier in the summer.
However, it appears Saliba is no longer a realistic option for Los Blancos as the Frenchman has no desire to leave Arsenal, who are equally keen on keeping hold of the player.