In a surprising revelation during a recent press conference, Arsenal and French international defender William Saliba disclosed a major condition tied to his potential move to Real Madrid. The 24-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in world football, stated that while he is open to joining Los Blancos, there is one non-negotiable requirement: Real Madrid must retain veteran defender David Alaba, who has been a major inspiration to Saliba throughout his career.
Saliba expressed his admiration for Alaba, saying, “David Alaba has been my inspiration as a defender. His versatility, leadership, and ability to perform at the highest level are qualities I admire. If Madrid wants me, they have to keep him. He’s an essential part of the team, and I would love to play alongside him.”
This statement comes at a critical time for Real Madrid, who are reportedly looking to bolster their defense in the upcoming transfer window. Alaba has been a key figure in Madrid’s backline since joining from Bayern Munich in 2021, and Saliba’s demand could influence the club’s transfer plans. With reports suggesting that Madrid had been contemplating reshuffling their defensive setup, Saliba’s comments may complicate those discussions, as losing Alaba could undermine their defensive stability.
