Real Madrid Target Konate, Saliba & Araujo for Defense

Photo: AFP

Real Madrid is one of the biggest and most successful football clubs in the world. Even though the team has already signed three new players during this summer transfer window, the club is still looking to make their defense even stronger. The new manager, Xabi Alonso, who once played for the club, is said to be interested in bringing in one more top-class center-back before the new season begins.

Xabi Alonso Wants Another Defender

Xabi Alonso is taking charge with a clear vision. He wants to build a team that is strong not only in attack but also in defense. Despite having already made a few signings, he feels the team still needs a stronger backbone at the back. That’s why Real Madrid is currently targeting two top defenders—Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and William Saliba from Arsenal.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

These two defenders are young, tall, fast, and strong. They are very good at stopping opposing teams from scoring goals. Alonso believes that adding one of them will make Real Madrid’s defense even better and ready to face tough competitions like La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Real Madrid’s First Targets: Konate and Saliba

Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool

Ibrahima Konate is a French international who plays as a center-back for Liverpool. He is known for his powerful tackles, calmness with the ball, and ability to read the game. Real Madrid sees him as someone who can quickly settle into their system. Konate is only 25 years old, and he already has experience playing in big matches, including Champions League games and for the French national team.

However, Liverpool does not want to lose him easily. They are already in talks with him about signing a new and longer contract. This makes the deal difficult for Real Madrid because Liverpool values him highly and may not want to sell him at all.

William Saliba from Arsenal

William Saliba, also a French defender, plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League. He is just 23 years old and is already one of the best defenders in England. He had an amazing season and was a key player for Arsenal as they challenged for the Premier League title.

Real Madrid has been watching Saliba closely and wants to bring him to Spain. But reports suggest that Arsenal and Saliba are also discussing a new contract. This means he might not be available for transfer. The chances of him leaving are getting lower as Arsenal wants to keep him for the future.

Real Madrid May Look for Other Options

Because both Konate and Saliba are likely to stay at their clubs, Real Madrid may have to find other options. And this is where things start to get interesting.

Could a Barcelona Player Move to Real Madrid?

In football, Real Madrid and Barcelona are known as the biggest rivals in the world. It is extremely rare for a player to move directly from Barcelona to Real Madrid, or the other way around. But now, there are reports that Real Madrid might try to do something bold and surprising.

According to a report by Defensa Central, Real Madrid is interested in Ronald Araujo, a top defender from Barcelona. This would be a very controversial move if it happens.

Who is Ronald Araujo?

Ronald Araujo is a strong and talented defender from Uruguay. He is 26 years old and has played many matches for Barcelona. He is also one of the team’s captains, which means he is a leader both on and off the field.

Araujo is known for his physical strength, speed, and his ability to stop top strikers. However, he has faced some injury problems, especially during the 2024–2025 season. These injuries have made it difficult for him to play regularly.

Why Barcelona Might Sell Him

Barcelona is going through a tough time financially. The club has been struggling with money problems for a few years now. Because of this, they are looking to sell some players to get funds. Sadly, this includes Ronald Araujo. Even though the club would like to keep him, they know they might have to let him go to fix their financial issues.

President Joan Laporta is especially worried that Araujo could leave for Real Madrid, which would be a big blow for the club and their fans. However, selling him to a team outside Spain, such as in the English Premier League, is seen as more acceptable.

Liverpool is Also Interested in Araujo

If Barcelona decides to sell Araujo, Liverpool is ready to make a move. Reports say that the Premier League club is prepared to offer $46 million (or €40 million) for the Uruguayan defender. Liverpool is looking for a long-term replacement for their star center-back Virgil van Dijk, who is getting older.

Araujo could be the perfect player for that role. He has experience, leadership qualities, and can handle pressure in big games. That’s why Liverpool is keen to sign him before any other club gets the chance.

Would Barcelona Sell Araujo to Real Madrid?

This is the big question. Selling a player like Araujo to a rival club like Real Madrid would be a huge deal. It could make fans angry and create more tension between the two clubs. Barcelona would prefer to sell him to a team outside of Spain.

But if Real Madrid offers a very good deal and Araujo agrees to it, it might be hard for Barcelona to say no—especially with their current financial problems. Still, such a transfer would likely be remembered for years as one of the most shocking moves in football history.

• Real Madrid wants to sign one more top center-back this summer.

• Their first two targets are Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and William Saliba from Arsenal.

• Both players are in talks to extend their contracts with their current clubs.

• Because of that, Real Madrid may look at other options.

• One surprising option is Ronald Araujo from rival club Barcelona.

• Barcelona may sell Araujo due to financial issues but would prefer to sell him outside of La Liga.

• Liverpool is also interested in signing Araujo and is ready to offer $46 million.

• Real Madrid’s interest in Araujo could create a major stir in the football world.