Arsenal have made a contract offer to William Saliba to extend his stay at the club and ward off transfer interest from the likes of Real Madrid.
That’s [according to Foot Mercato](https://www.footmercato.net/a3893849370643479174-arsenal-a-fait-son-offre-a-william-saliba), who report that Saliba is in talks with Arsenal and they’ve made their first offer to him.
They report that the Gunners face stiff competition for the 24-year-old defender, who has several big clubs in the running for his signature.
Arsenal value the Frenchman highly and are determine to ensure that he remains at the Emirates long-term after his impressive performances over the last few seasons.
A contract extension has been discussed for weeks, with his current deal expiring in June 2027. That means Arsenal risk him going into next summer with just a year left on his deal, which could force them to sell for a lower price if he doesn’t sign a new deal.
They want to avoid him leaving on a free at all costs and have offered a new five-year deal. There’s no mention of the terms beyond that.
For the time being, Arsenal and the player are in discussions and there is no agreement as yet. The Gunners are hoping for a positive response, particularly as they know there are several major players following the Frenchman with interest.
Real Madrid are one of them, although their focus appears to be on Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate for now as his deal expires next summer.
Saliba, for his part, remains focused on Arsenal and France, both of whom he has high ambitions. That could work for the Gunners, who have already presented their first offer.