As: Signing Saliba is too expensive, Real Madrid focuses on signings without signings next summer, Connaught and Upamecano

Hupu September 24th According to the Spanish media "As", Real Madrid has listed Bayern Munich's Upamecano, Liverpool's Connate and Arsenal's Saliba as the three major signing targets for the central defender position, but these three players represent different transfer strategies and operational difficulties respectively.

"As" said Real Madrid continues to explore the transfer market next summer to find reinforcements for their defense. In recent days, a new name suddenly appeared: Upamecano. The Bayern Munich centre-back has become the target of the White Army, and Real Madrid has been closely watching his two compatriots Connate and Saliba for some time.

26-year-old Upamecano's contract with Bayern will expire in June 2025, and Real Madrid intends to recruit him as a free transfer next summer. This operation mode is highly similar to the situation when Alaba joined Real Madrid from Bayern without a sign-off, and the club hopes to strengthen the defense at a low cost again.

At the same time, Liverpool central defender Conat is also under the close attention of Real Madrid. It is reported that the French international has expressed his willingness to switch to the Bernabeu this summer. From a strategic perspective, Conat and Upamecano both conform to the "low-risk signing" idea that Real Madrid has praised in recent years - that is, give priority to the goal of contract expiration or the players actively pushing for transfers to control transfer costs and competitive risks.

In contrast, Saliba's transfer possibility is more complicated. The Arsenal central defender renewed his contract with the club in July 2023, and the contract remains two years remaining, which means any team will have to pay a high transfer fee if they want to sign him. More importantly, Arsenal regards Saliba as the cornerstone player of the team's long-term plan. In the system of coach Arteta, his central defender partner with Gabriel is regarded as the tactical core and the club has no intention of selling it.