The chosen one! Real Madrid make William Saliba their top transfer target for summer rebuild after starring in Arsenal's Champions League triumph over Los Blancos

According to Marca, Real Madrid have identified Saliba as their 'chosen one' to refresh their previously formidable defence which was breached five times over two legs by Arsenal during their recent quarter-final tie in the Champions League. The report adds that the France international has been on chief scout Juni Calafat's list of targets 'for a long time', though Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen and Manchester City's Manuel Akanji are also reported options.

Saliba has emerged as one of the best central defenders in world football since breaking through under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, forming a brilliant partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the back. He was named in the 2024 FIFA The Best World XI and signed a new contract with the Gunners last season, but could now be tempted by the prospect of playing with stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.

Saliba has helped Arsenal record the shrewdest defence in the Premier League so far this season, conceding only 29 goals in 35 matches. However, their title hopes came to an end at the weekend when Liverpool secured top spot by thrashing Tottenham Hotspur.

After knocking the reigning champions out of the competition in the last round, Saliba and Arsenal will look to take a large step towards the Champions League final when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.