This speculation was sparked by comments from Antonio Rudiger, who suggested that Real Madrid should target the French defender.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates at full-time during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates at full-time during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
“I would sign William Saliba,” Rudiger said during an interview. “If you see Arsenal, like the two centre backs who are playing together, they are doing since two years now, they’re doing an amazing job. Like the transformation from Arsenal…those two are the pillar of it.”
Rudiger’s praise undoubtedly piqued interest and riled up some Arsenal fans, worried about potentially losing a key part of the defensive unit. Yet, according to Fabrizio Romano, there is currently no basis for concerns over Saliba’s future in North London. Romano has reported that Saliba never even considered a move away from Arsenal in the summer, and no negotiations are ongoing with other clubs, including Real Madrid.
William Saliba’s contract with Arsenal runs until 2027, giving both the club and the player considerable security. At just 23 years old, Saliba has become a vital part of the team’s backline, forming an imposing partnership with Gabriel Magalhães. Their impressive synergy is one of the key elements behind Arsenal’s recent successes, and the club intends to keep Saliba at the heart of their defence for the long term.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates William Saliba and Kai Havertz of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates William Saliba and Kai Havertz of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Real Madrid, however, have reportedly made Saliba their top priority for 2025. Faced with ongoing injury issues, Madrid are eager to strengthen their defensive options, and Saliba’s skillset clearly appeals to them. Despite this interest, both Arsenal and the player appear unwilling to entertain any move. The defender remains content at the Emirates, and the club are equally determined to retain one of their brightest stars.
The Express also reported that Madrid’s pursuit is likely to end in disappointment. Arsenal have no desire to sell, and there is no suggestion that Saliba is looking for a move away. His current contract, which he signed in the summer of 2023, extends until 2027, and it’s highly probable that Arsenal will seek to extend it further in 2025.
After joining Arsenal in 2019, Saliba went on three successive loan spells, with Saint-Étienne, OGC Nice, and Marseille, before finally making his full debut for the Gunners in 2022. It was in that season that he firmly established himself in the starting lineup, impressing both domestically and on the European stage.
Speaking in September, Saliba acknowledged his progress but insisted he still has room to grow. In an interview with Fox Sports, he was asked whether he sees himself as the best defender in the world.
“I have been on the right track for the past two seasons, especially last season,” Saliba responded. “I am perhaps on my way to becoming the best defender in the world. I think I am [just] one of the best at the moment, but to say that [I’m the best], I have to win some titles. I think that is what I am missing right now.”
William Saliba with his PFA Team of the Year award (Photo via PFA on Twitter)
William Saliba with his PFA Team of the Year award (Photo via PFA on Twitter)
Despite being at the peak of his form, Saliba remains grounded in his ambitions. He recognises that to earn the status of the world’s best, he needs to be part of a title-winning side. His impressive performances for both Arsenal and the French national team speak for themselves, but he knows that consistency, silverware, and longevity are the benchmarks for greatness.
Saliba has been a stalwart for the Gunners, playing every minute of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign and continuing his consistent availability into 2024/25. His reliability, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, makes him one of Arsenal’s most valuable assets. Unlike other high-profile centre-backs, Saliba’s lack of significant injury history adds to his appeal, both for Arsenal and for any potential suitors.
However, for the foreseeable future, Saliba’s heart remains in North London. Arsenal have been clear in their intentions, and the defender himself appears fully committed to the project under Mikel Arteta. His current contract, reportedly worth £10m a season, does not include a release clause, providing Arsenal with further security as they look to build a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title and beyond.
With Saliba’s commitment evident, the challenge now for Arsenal is ensuring they provide him with the opportunities to fulfil his potential. If Arsenal can deliver silverware, there’s every chance that Saliba will remain at the heart of their defence for many years to come.
For now, the rumours of a move to Real Madrid are nothing more than speculation, and Saliba’s focus remains firmly on the task at hand—helping Arsenal climb to the top of English and European football.
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