Arsenal are ready to open talks with talented defender William Saliba on a new high-paying deal after they sought to deter increasing interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Gunners are understood to be prepared to provide the French international with a sizeable pay hike in order to keep him committed at the Emirates Stadium in the long term. Madrid continue to strengthen their backline and prepare for the 2025/26 season by making the transfer. New manager Xabi Alonso has lined up Saliba as a number one priority, joining forces with Bournemouth young guns Dean Huijsen at the top of his summer wish list.
Saliba, 24, has solidly entrenched himself as one of the world’s top central defenders. His calmness, intelligence, and athleticism have been instrumental in Arsenal’s revival under Mikel Arteta, who is keen to construct the club’s future around the Frenchman. Even though he only signed his previous contract just last year, 2023, which lasts until 2027, Arsenal knows that two years left on a contract is usually the turning point in a player’s destiny. The Gunners are keen not to let go of control and will try to tie Saliba down to a long-term extension during the summer.
Arsenal’s Commitment to Saliba
Sources indicate that Arsenal are willing to make Saliba one of Europe’s highest-paid defenders in order to accommodate his increasing importance. He earns around £190,000-a-week at present, but the club are willing to more than double that in order to discourage Madrid from making any bids.
Reports indicate that negotiations are in the initial stage. However, decision-makers at the Emirates show an evident sense of urgency to secure a deal. Arteta and the club hierarchy consider Saliba to be irreplaceable and are optimistic of tying him down to a new contract much ahead of the beginning of the 2025/26 season. A contract extension would not only guarantee Arsenal’s defensive future but also send a powerful message regarding their ambition and capacity to retain world-class talent in spite of mounting pressure from European heavyweights.
Real Madrid’s Interest Grows
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Saliba is not surprising. The Spanish champions are anticipating a defensive rebuild this summer, with a number of senior players reaching the latter stages of their careers. Alonso, who will inherit the Bernabéu, is reported to be an old fan of Saliba’s playing style and views him as the bedrock of Madrid’s future. While Madrid are also making a move for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, the club rates Saliba as more of a proven commodity who can spearhead the defence from day one. But getting him out of North London won’t be easy.
Keeping Saliba on a new contract is a part of a wider squad retention and strengthening policy at Arsenal. Arteta’s team have taken great strides in recent years and want to continue their ascendance by having their key players stay put. The Gunners are also set to make signings to their forward and midfield ranks, but tying down Saliba’s future is considered a top priority internally. Losing a player of his quality to a direct European competitor would be a big blow.
The William Saliba new contract negotiations will be among the main summer stories of Arsenal. With Real Madrid keeping close tabs, the Gunners are keen to move quickly and assertively to keep hold of one of the top young centre-backs in the sport. As talks get underway, Arsenal supporters will pray that the club can reward Saliba’s genius with a transfer that does his worth — both on and off the pitch — justice. If successful, it will be a resounding statement of ambition from a side committed to playing at the top level.
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