Carlo Ancelotti, known for his calm demeanor and measured praise, has sparked a flurry of transfer speculation following a private friendly clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal.
After the game, the veteran Italian coach made a bold and unexpected statement about one particular Arsenal player — and it wasn’t any of the usual suspects.
When asked about who impressed him most during the match, Ancelotti didn’t hesitate before singling out William Saliba.
The French center-back, often praised for his composure and reading of the game, left a powerful impression on Madrid’s coaching staff.
“We’ll try everything possible to sign this guy,” Ancelotti reportedly stated. “What he showed us on the pitch was special.
His intelligence, his ability to read the game, and how effortlessly he controlled situations — he gave us a real headache.”
Interestingly, the buzz wasn’t around Arsenal’s attacking stars like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, or Gabriel Jesus.
Instead, it was Saliba — a defender — who stood out the most to one of the most decorated managers in modern football.
Saliba’s commanding display against Real Madrid’s top talents, including Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo, has reportedly placed him at the top of Los Blancos’ wishlist.
Ancelotti was full of admiration, emphasizing that Saliba seemed far beyond his years in terms of maturity and game understanding.
“He plays like he’s been doing this at the top level for two decades,” Ancelotti added. “Whether you press him or sit back, he always finds a solution.
He has that calm authority that you don’t see very often — even in elite defenders.”
With veteran defender Antonio Rüdiger approaching the latter stages of his career, and with Madrid always planning ahead, Saliba is now viewed as a key target for a defensive rebuild.
Club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly ready to back Ancelotti with the financial firepower needed to make a bid for the 23-year-old French international.
Naturally, Arsenal fans are not taking this news lightly. Social media was ablaze with Gooners urging the club to fend off any Madrid interest.
“Stay away from Saliba — he’s our future!” one fan posted.
Another added, “When Madrid wants your player, you know he’s elite — but we’re not selling.”
So far, Mikel Arteta has remained silent on the matter, but sources suggest that Arsenal are preparing a new, lucrative contract offer to keep Saliba tied to the club for the long term.
One thing is clear: William Saliba has caught the eye of one of the biggest clubs in the world.
But if Arsenal have their way, he won’t be leaving North London anytime soon.
