Real Madrid have reportedly ruled out a move for William Saliba as they are unwilling to meet Arsenal’s lofty asking price.

Just after the closing of the winter transfer window, news surfaced indicating that Madrid had set their sights on acquiring Saliba as their top target for the upcoming summer. Although Arsenal appeared unwilling to entertain the idea of selling their star center-back for any sum, it was suggested that if they had to sell Saliba, Madrid would need to break the bank and make him the highest-paid defender in football history.

The daunting financial demands, expecting Saliba to be valued at a minimum of £80 million, have reportedly led Madrid to abandon their chase for the French player, according to SPORT.

Furthermore, Saliba’s clear statements of wanting to remain at Arsenal further dimmed Madrid’s hopes. In March, the 24-year-old told reporters, “I’m happy here and I want to continue here,” reinforcing his intention to stay.

Nevertheless, Madrid’s search for a centre-back goes on. As Carlo Ancelotti has outlined on a number of occasions this season, the defending Spanish and European champions have been defensively vulnerable this term.

“We’re very effective up front and less solid at the back,” Ancelotti mused earlier this campaign. “That’s the team’s trait this season. This year, the games are more competitive.” This leaky iteration of Madrid have already conceded more league goals (29) in 29 games than they did across last term’s entire 38-match campaign.

Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is thought to be a top target for the Spanish giants. There will be stiff competition for the teenage centre-back, chiefly from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, but Huijsen is expected to be available for the relatively reasonable fee of £50m thanks to a release clause in his contract.

Madrid have also been credited with an interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, though he too is a target for Liverpool.