Los Blancos Are Monitoring a Top Alternative for Their Defensive Reinforcements
Real Madrid has made Arsenal’s William Saliba their top defensive target, recognizing him as one of the best young center-backs in world football. However, with his contract running until 2027 and strong interest from other European clubs, securing his signature won’t be easy.
As a backup option, the Spanish giants are reportedly considering Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian “Cuti” Romero. The Argentine defender, valued at around €65 million, has impressed in the Premier League and could be an alternative if the Saliba deal does not materialize.
A Difficult Transfer to Pull Off
While Romero is a highly regarded center-back, negotiating with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has historically been a challenging task for Real Madrid. Previous deals for Luka Modrić and Gareth Bale were long, drawn-out processes, as Levy is known for holding on to his best players.
Madrid’s strategy has always been to pursue talent from the Premier League, but they are mindful of the difficulties in dealing with certain clubs. As a result, Romero, while an option, is not necessarily at the top of their priority list.
Real Madrid’s Defensive Depth
Currently, Madrid is in no rush to reinforce its backline. The presence of Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, along with the emergence of young talent like Raúl Asencio, ensures that the club has enough defensive depth for now. Additionally, the club is considering promoting more youth players to the first team in the near future.
Future Plans: Saliba in 2026 or 2027?
Despite keeping an eye on Romero, Real Madrid’s main focus remains on Saliba. However, rather than pushing for a move immediately, the club is willing to wait until 2026 or 2027, depending on Arsenal’s willingness to extend the Frenchman’s contract. If an opportunity arises, Madrid will be prepared to make their move.
For now, Los Blancos are staying patient and monitoring the market while keeping long-term plans in place for their next defensive signing.
