William Saliba Florentino Perez Arsenal
(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 9 May 2025 8:43, UK
Arsenal plan to hold contract talks with William Saliba this summer in order to fend off interest from Real Madrid, sources have told Football Insider.
Real Madrid‘s stance when they attempt to sign players are well known, and as Saliba approaches a crucial period in his contract at the Emirates, the Spanish giants’ “unsettling” tactics will soon begin.
Saliba is under contract at the Emirates until 2027 but sources have told Football Insider that “noises of interest” from Madrid won’t be going away any time soon, with the Frenchman one of their top targets.
With Madrid increasingly fond of Saliba ahead of this summer’s transfer window, Arsenal are expected to open talks over the summer to extend his current deal, with a “bumper” contract potentially on the table.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
Mikel Arteta will be hopeful Arsenal can retain their best players this summer (Credit: Imago)
Real Madrid to repeat Alexander-Arnold tactics in Saliba chase
Madrid make no secret of their interest when in pursuit of the world’s top talent, and are set to announce Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer after he was convinced to run down his contract at Liverpool.
Arsenal will be keen to prevent Saliba going down a similar path, and sources have told Football Insider that the Gunners will do “everything they can” to extend the France international’s stay beyond 2027.
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With 24 months left on his Arsenal contract – arguably the most pivotal period as a club decides to sell or commit to a player – Mikel Arteta is desperate to keep Saliba happy in the form of a brand new deal.
Arsenal
Saliba has established himself as one of world football’s best defenders with Arsenal
Arsenal must avoid Saliba sale amid summer transfer plan
For the third season in a row, Arsenal find themselves destined for a trophyless campaign despite going close to major silverware, with Arteta under pressure after Wednesday’s Champions League exit to PSG.
However, with the Gunners’ new sporting director Andrea Berta keen to add an out-and-out number nine as a priority and provide Arteta with more firepower, Arsenal’s defence can’t afford to be weakened.
Saliba’s long-time centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes will be going nowhere this summer despite interest from Al-Nassr, and Arteta must retain both his defensive anchors if the Gunners are to finally get over the line in the Premier League or Europe.
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