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<p>William Saliba in Focus</p>
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<p><img alt="Five Real Madrid centre-back targets as William Saliba top priority" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/madrid-cb-spot-1753282608-173008.png" title="Five Real Madrid centre-back targets as William Saliba top priority"></img></p>
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<p>Real Madrid has made significant investments to enhance their defensive lineup this summer, yet they might still require another centre-back. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities were glaring last season due to an unbalanced squad, prompting the inclusion of three new players. Madrid has recruited two full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras, and secured the highly sought-after centre-back Dean Huijsen. The Spanish international is often hailed as one of the brightest defensive talents globally, but Madrid might still explore further options to complement Huijsen’s addition.</p>
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<p>Xabi Alonso’s tactical setup during the Club World Cup emphasized a 3-5-2 formation, highlighting the need for greater depth at centre-back. While Madrid currently has five senior centre-backs, concerns loom over several players’ fitness and reliability. David Alaba and Éder Militão have struggled with injuries, each appearing in only 31 matches over the past two seasons. Additionally, Raúl Asencio’s quality remains in question amidst serious off-field allegations. In light of this, we have identified four potential centre-back targets, given the speculation that Madrid will seek to reinforce their squad this summer.</p>
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<h2>Real Madrid's Centre-Back Targets</h2>
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<p>William Saliba is regarded as Madrid’s ideal centre-back target, though extracting him from Arsenal this summer seems unlikely. The French international has expressed his intent to remain in North London, despite an ongoing lack of agreement regarding a contract extension set to expire in 2027. Reports from Spanish media suggest that Saliba is “prepared to make a financial effort” to join Madrid. Nonetheless, it appears that the 24-year-old will remain at Arsenal this summer unless a staggering offer prompts a sale, which Madrid might hope to achieve once Saliba is in the final year of his contract.</p>
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<p>There are also persistent rumors surrounding a potential move for Ibrahima Konaté this summer. The 26-year-old’s contract with Liverpool expires next summer, leaving the club facing a critical decision on whether to sell. While discussions over a new contract are ongoing, no agreement has been reached, potentially putting Liverpool at risk of losing him on a free transfer. As one of the Premier League's top centre-backs, Konaté has a market value of around €60m, but Liverpool may find it challenging to secure that amount, while Madrid would likely only consider an offer around €30m.</p>
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<p><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/madrid-cb-targets-1753282639-173009.png?lm=1753282649" width="503"></img></p>
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<p>Madrid has also been linked with Piero Hincapié, although reports suggesting a €60m release clause are misleading. Bayer Leverkusen's management has made it clear they do not want to lose any more key players following the departures of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. Hincapié is a promising talent, having already played over 150 top-tier matches at just 23 years of age, having joined the Bundesliga in 2021 from CA Talleres for €6.35m. Being left-footed, one complication arises from his overlapping role with Huijsen as a left centre-back.</p>
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<p>António Silva could present a more budget-friendly alternative to the aforementioned names. Earlier this summer, it was reported that Benfica would entertain offers around €35m. Historically, Madrid has had a strong relationship with the Portuguese club, despite some tension over the Carreras deal. At just 21, Silva has already amassed 17 caps for Portugal, showcasing immense potential despite some recent challenges. He could serve as an intriguing option, particularly if Madrid's top targets prove to be unattainable.</p>
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