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Real Madrid have suffered a huge setback in their race to sign Arsenal defender William Saliba, as per reports from The Sun (via The Hard Tackle). The 23-year-old centre-back has reportedly pledged his future to the Gunners despite links to the Spanish giants, who will not be pleased by the news.
Los Blancos had reportedly been counting on a potential move for Saliba, who has been an important part of the Gunners' defense in recent years. The English giants have come close to winning the Premier League title twice in a row, and both times, the French defender was an instrumental factor in keeping goals out.
Saliba also spoke about his preference to stay with the Gunners (via Football Espana):
“I feel at home. I signed for the club five years ago, but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything: the players, the staff and the fans. I feel at home, so of course why not (stay)?”
Since he joined Arsenal in 2019, Saliba has made 103 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. Real Madrid have been monitoring his situation at the Emirates Stadium, as they need to bring in a new centre-back.
They have had a number of injury concerns in the position in recent times, with players like David Alaba and Eder Militao struggling to stay fit. The Spanish giants also recognize that their other main centre-back option Antonio Rudiger is now 31, and a long-term replacement will be needed.
However, with Saliba opting to stay at Arsenal for the foreseeable future, Real Madrid will have to turn their sights to other alternatives on their radar.
Arsenal could be set for the next round while Real Madrid struggle in Champions League playoff trouble
Arsenal are currently seventh in the UEFA Champions League table this season. With the first eight teams guaranteed a slot in the knockout stages, the Gunners will be pleased with their performances so far.
However, they have 10 points, a number shared by teams from sixth to 12th. This means a loss in their upcoming match against Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on December 11 could push them into the playoffs.
The story is entirely different for Real Madrid, who currently sit in 24th - the final playoff position. They have lost three games out of five, and they have six points, a shocking return for the 2024 champions.
If other results favor them, Los Blancos could rise up the table. However, they will need a win against Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium on December 10 to ensure they stay in the playoffs and are not eliminated from the competition.
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Edited by Ritwik Kumar