According to a report by The Athletic, William Saliba is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Arsenal mainstay. However, the Gunners hope to end all speculation surrounding the 26-cap French international after opening talks with his entourage over a new contract.
William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in July 2019. The Frenchman had to bide his time before becoming a mainstay at the back for the North London club, embarking on three loan spells away from the Emirates.
However, the 24-year-old has not looked back since establishing a foothold in the first-team squad at Arsenal in the 2022/23 season, becoming a mainstay at the back for his club and country. Saliba has turned out nearly 150 times thus far for the North London outfit while chipping in with seven goals and two assists.
Meanwhile, Saliba’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Real Madrid will aim to beat the competition to his signature in the summer transfer window. However, Arsenal will attempt to tie the 26-cap French international to a new long-term contract to ward off Los Blancos.
Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window due to the advancing years of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger. In addition, Eder Militao’s fitness situation is uncertain after suffering two long-term knee injuries in as many seasons.
So, Saliba has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Merengues ready to ramp up their efforts to sign the 24-year-old Frenchman from Arsenal in the summer transfer window. However, the Gunners hope to end the speculation surrounding their defensive mainstay after opening talks over a new contract.
Recent reports have claimed that Saliba is ready to snub Real Madrid by signing a new contract with Arsenal. So, the negotiations between the two parties should conclude soon, while Los Blancos must look elsewhere for a new centre-back.
