Arsenal may face delays in the bid to secure an agreement with 24-year-old French international William Saliba on a new contract.
According to a report by Football Insider, Arsenal will attempt to tie William Saliba to a new contract in the coming months. The Gunners have offered the French international fresh terms, and they are accelerating their talks with his entourage to secure an agreement with him in the coming weeks.
The Frenchman is a target for Real Madrid, with Los Blancos keen on signing a centre-back next year. However, while Arsenal will hope to ward off the Spanish outfit by agreeing to a new deal with Saliba, they face delays in the bid to finalise an agreement with his representatives.
The rise and rise of William Saliba
William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in a deal worth £27 million in July 2019. While the 24-year-old did not immediately establish a foothold in the first-team squad at the Emirates, he has not looked back since becoming a first-choice starter in the 2022/23 season.
Saliba has turned out nearly 150 times thus far for the North London outfit while chipping in with seven goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the French defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Real Madrid will aim to beat the competition to his signature next year.
Will Real Madrid sign Saliba?
Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba is understandable. While Los Blancos signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this past summer, they will look to sign another centre-back next year due to the advancing age of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger. Additionally, Eder Militao’s long-term fitness situation is uncertain after suffering two season-ending knee injuries in as many campaigns.
So, Saliba has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Merengues keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by securing his services in a bargain move next summer. However, Arsenal will aim to tie the 24-year-old Frenchman to a new contract, and they have offered a deal to his entourage to try and ward off Real Madrid.
Recent reports have claimed that the Gunners are confident of securing an agreement with Saliba over a new contract. However, Arsenal may face delays in the bid to keep hold of the French international, as the negotiations with his representatives will not be straightforward.