Real Madrid’s interest in Arsenal centre-back William Saliba could complicate the Gunners’ plan to strike a new deal for him, according to The Times.
The 23-year-old Frenchman is out of contract at the North London club in 2027 and there are plans to open talks with him in an attempt to tie him down to a long-term deal.
Saliba recently claimed he is happy at Arsenal, but his future at the club is far from guaranteed given the pull of a team as huge as Madrid.
The Gunners star currently earns £190,000 per week at the North London club, but whether they can match whatever the Spanish club will be willing to pay him remains to be seen.
Madrid are also reportedly willing to break the bank for Saliba and make him the most expensive centre-back signing, and while Arsenal will be desperate to hold on to him for as long as they can, their negotiating position could be significantly weakened if he refuses to sign an extension this year.
Losing Saliba will be a huge blow for the Gunners, but this summer could represent their best opportunity to get top dollar for him, and the incoming director of football has a huge decision to make.
Suitors will pay less in the summer of 2026 if Arsenal refuse to sell the Frenchman this year, and there is also the possibility of losing him for free if he refuses to sign an extension next year.
Winning the Premier League this term could boost their chances of convincing Saliba to agree to a new deal, but they are 12 points behind leaders Liverpool after 29 games and catching up with the Reds could be tricky.
Madrid and Arsenal will face themselves in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next month, and the result of the fixtures could have a huge say in influencing the decision of Saliba.