Both Tottenham and Arsenal’s transfer chiefs would’ve been put on red alert by Real Madrid’s latest injury scare after key centre–half Eder Militao went down with a suspected ACL rupture.
Militao was seen stretchered off during Real Madrid’s thumping 4-0 victory at home to Osasuna over the weekend.
But despite Vinicius Junior netting an emphatic hat-trick and Jude Bellingham returning to scoring ways after a lengthy drought, the mood was a sombre one inside the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Militao has featured in all 17 Real Madrid fixtures this season, with the Brazil international having forged a sturdy partnership with Antonio Rudiger at the heart of the Los Blancos defence.
It’s expected Militao will be forced to sit out for the rest of the campaign, which could force Real Madrid to look for reinforcements when the January transfer window opens.
Real Madrid may find a short-term option is all that's available in the winter months, before going big on a long-term signing in the summer.
Should that prove to be the case, it’s likely both William Saliba and Cristian Romero will be on the La Liga giant’s radar.
Saliba has already been touted as a future Real Madrid signing, and while Arsenal won’t want to lose their talismanic defender, their resolve could be tested if the Frenchman’s head begins to turn.
Arsenal could be backed into a corner if Saliba shows no sign of extending his current deal at the Emirates Stadium, which is set to expire at the end of the 2026/27 season.
While they’d be confident of commanding a hefty fee for the centre-back if they were forced to sell, there’s also the question of Arsenal being able to match Saliba’s ambition.
Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled at times this season, with the Gunners already trailing leaders Liverpool by a sizeable margin, as well as struggling to find their best form in the Champions League.
It’s a similar question Romero’s representatives will no doubt be asking the Argentine too.
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The World Cup winner has spent the last two full seasons with the north Londoners, with Spurs failing to qualify for the Champions League both times.
Given it’s over a decade and a half since Tottenham last lifted silverware, the 26-year-old might feel as if he needs to leave Spurs in order to secure his career goals.
And, as will likely be the case with Saliba too, should the record European champions Real Madrid come calling, it’s difficult to imagine any player being able to wave off the interest.