The Bernabeu outfit have already bolstered their backline this summer with three signings. Trent Alexander-Arnold arrived from Liverpool to anchor the right-back role, Alvaro Carreras joined from Benfica to claim the left-back spot, and Dean Huijsen, formerly of Bournemouth, is set to shine in central defence under manager Xabi Alonso.
Despite these additions, Alonso is keen to pair Huijsen with another elite centre-back, with Madrid aiming to rebuild after losing their La Liga and Champions League titles in the 2024/25 season.
Saliba and Konate have emerged as Madrid's top targets. Trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano reported in May that Saliba is the club's "dream" signing, while recent reports from England and Spain have highlighted their interest in Konate, particularly if he fails to extend his contract with Liverpool.
However, Liverpool have tabled a lucrative new offer to Konate, with journalist Sacha Tavolieri noting on X that the French defender is "considering" the deal, which would significantly boost his wages.
David Lynch, speaking on Sports Mole's YouTube channel, added that Konate's "priority" is to stay with the Premier League champions and sign a new contract.
With Konate leaning towards staying at Anfield, Madrid have shifted their focus to Saliba. According to Real Madrid Confidencial, the club have sent representatives to London to negotiate with Arsenal and have already initiated talks with Saliba's camp.
Spanish outlet AS, known for its close ties to Madrid, described Saliba as a "unicorn", a modern, powerful centre-back with excellent ball control and ambition.
However, Arsenal are standing firm. Both AS and Real Madrid Confidencial reported that the Gunners have no intention of selling their 24-year-old star, even for a potential 100 million euros offer.
Manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Saliba is not for sale, with the club confident of tying him to a new contract until 2029, according to Football Transfers.
Saliba's current deal runs until 2027, and Arsenal are pushing to secure his long-term future.
Meanwhile, Alonso and Madrid president Florentino Perez face further complications, as Barcelona have entered the race for another of Madrid's Premier League targets, though the Catalan club are unwilling to meet the asking price, per AS.
Alonso has also instructed Madrid to retain two key midfielders, one of whom can cover at left-back, to maintain squad depth, according to Real Madrid Confidencial.
As the transfer window progresses, Madrid's pursuit of Saliba looks increasingly like an uphill battle, with Arsenal determined to keep their defensive cornerstone.
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has emerged victorious in a two-year battle against spot-fixing allegations, with reports indicating the Brazilian is set to be cleared by the Football Association.
Pau Victor's journey with Barcelona has drawn to a close, with the Catalan giants confirming on Friday that the 23-year-old striker from Sant Cugat has secured a permanent transfer to Portuguese side Braga.
Newcastle United's striker Alexander Isak has sparked a transfer storm, with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal tabling a colossal 32 million pound-a-year offer, including a 14 million pound signing-on bonus, to lure him away.
Liverpool are set to make waves in the transfer market, with reports indicating they are open to selling star winger Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich to fund a record-breaking move for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.
