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Real Madrid tracking two Arsenal wonderkids after Saliba pursuit

Originally posted on HITC | By Shamanth Jayaram | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 9:02 AM ET

Los Blancos have turned their attention to two Arsenal wonderkids after missing out on senior defensive targets.

Real Madrid are reportedly tracking two of Arsenal’s brightest young talents after failing in attempts to land senior defenders from the North London side.

The Spanish giants had shown strong interest in both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, but Arsenal successfully blocked those moves. Saliba was persuaded to commit his future to the club, while sporting director Andrea Berta rejected Madrid’s approach for Gabriel.

Now attention has shifted toward the next generation, with reports suggesting Madrid have added Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman to their growing shortlist of young English prospects.

Real Madrid continue youth recruitment strategy

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Under president Florentino Perez, Real Madrid have increasingly focused on signing elite young talent from across Europe and beyond.

According to reports from TeamTalk, the club are monitoring several emerging English players, with Nwaneri and Dowman included on an eight-player list of targets.

Madrid have already experienced frustration when trying to secure Arsenal players. Alongside the failed attempts for Saliba and Gabriel, the Gunners also managed to land Martin Zubimendi despite interest from the Spanish side.

Given the stature of Real Madrid, any interest in young players naturally draws attention. But Arsenal’s current contractual position means they remain in control.

Arsenal well protected by contracts

Despite Madrid’s admiration, Arsenal appear to have safeguarded both prospects for the foreseeable future.

Nwaneri recently signed a new deal that ties him to the club until 2030, giving the Premier League leaders long-term security over one of the most highly rated young players in England.

Dowman has also committed his future to the club by signing a pre-contract agreement for a longer-term deal, which will officially be completed once he turns 17.

With those agreements in place, Arsenal are not under immediate pressure. Interest from Real Madrid may underline the quality of the club’s academy prospects, but it does not currently pose a genuine threat to their futures in North London.

For now, the Gunners remain firmly in control of two players widely regarded as among the most promising young talents in world football.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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