Real Madrid are prepared to "go big" for Arsenal defender William Saliba, whom they "absolutely like", according to Fabrizio Romano.
Saliba has become one of the top centre-backs in European football since returning to the Gunners from a loan spell at Marseille in 2021. The Frenchman caught the eye in both legs of Mikel Arteta's side's Champions League quarter-final victory over Madrid in April.
The club have started talks over a contract extension with Saliba, whose current deal expires in two years, per Metro. He has said that he's "really happy here" and that he "wants to continue here" amid Los Blancos' interest.
Romano: Madrid's Interest in Arsenal's Saliba "Confirmed"
A move for the French defender this summer is viewed as "complicated"
William Saliba
Madrid are set for an important summer transfer window with the expectation being that Carlo Ancelotti will leave the Santiago Bernabeu. There has long been talk of Xabi Alonso replacing the Italian and the Bayer Leverkusen boss could do so at the end of the season.
The La Liga giants' defence is likely to be one of the club's main focuses amid an injury crisis that has kept the likes of Eder Militao and David Alaba out of action. Saliba, 24, fits the bill as a long-term acquisition given his age and status as one of the best centre-backs in the world.
Romano delved into Arsenal's stance over the France international's future regarding his contract situation (via his Daily Briefing):
"Arsenal still have the ball in their court on this William Saliba deal because the player was going public with his happiness at Arsenal a few weeks ago and also Arteta confirmed that feeling. But now the decision has to take place between Arsenal and Saliba over the new contract."
Saliba has been with the Gunners since 2019 when he joined from French side Saint-Etienne and he's helped Arteta's men challenge for the title for three consecutive seasons. But the North Londoners will finish the season trophyless and it's vital the club show him their pathway to trophy success:
"It's not an urgent situation and the (current) contract is 2027, but from the financial point of view on presenting the project for winning titles Arsenal need to be convincing and correct in order to reach an agreement with William Saliba and shut down all comments about the future of the player."
Madrid are keeping an eye on developments but it's unlikely they'll be pursuing Saliba, who earns a purported £190,000 per week at the Emirates, this summer:
"The interest of Real Madrid remains confirmed. Real Madrid love William Saliba and Real Madrid in the future, it might not be this summer because this summer is seen as complicated, but in any case in the future will maintain a close eye to the situation of William Saliba."
Florentino Perez's transfer chiefs have used the French market in recent years to bolster their squad and they are set to monitor the player's situation in the future:
"He's a player they absolutely like, they'd be prepared to go big for him but they see it unlikely this summer because Arsenal insist on keeping the player. In the future (this) could be a story to watch only if Saliba doesn't sign a new deal at Arsenal.
William Saliba Statistics (Premier League 2024-25)
Appearances:
Goals:
Interceptions:
Tackles per game:
Balls recovered per game:
Clearances:
Ground duels won:
Aerial duels won:
Arsenal themselves are anticipating a busy summer transfer window following Andrea Berta's arrival as their new sporting director. He'll work with Arteta to build a squad that can end a six-year trophy drought and GIVEMESPORT sources indicate that they'll have a £300m transfer war chest at their disposal.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 09.05.2025.
Arsenal's William Saliba celebrates with Jakub Kiwior Related
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