Many Arsenal supporters have been looking on with glee at Trent Alexander-Arnold seemingly making the move to leave Liverpool at the end of the season and join Real Madrid on a free transfer. The expiration of his contract will see the youth graduate make the move to Spain, and join England international teammate Jude Bellingham.
It has sparked plenty of unsavoury responses from Liverpool fans despite Alexander-Arnold being vital in their Premier League and Champions League victories and helping return the Reds back into contention for the sport’s biggest honours. The key issue appears to be the fact that he is leaving without a fee, with Liverpool earning nothing back for helping to develop the player.
Yet, Arsenal may also be close to a situation quite similar and with the exact same club. William Saliba has been linked heavily with a move to Los Blancos and with his contract expiring in 2027, there is a growing fear a repeat of Alexander-Arnold’s move could occur for the Gunners.
Saliba was questioned recently on his contract situation ahead of the Champions League tie with PSV. Saliba did not play in the game which saw Arteta’s team progress through to set up a quarter-final meeting with none other than Real Madrid.
"For me, I'm really happy here. I've been here for two years and a half as well. There is nothing. I'm happy here, and I want to continue here."
Asked whether talks had started on a new contract, he said: “Not yet, because there is some years [left], so there is no rush at the minute. I’m happy here, that’s it.”
The reality is that while some might argue the club should look to maximise Saliba’s value by selling him perhaps in 2026 with a year left on his deal, the reality is this would be out of Arsenal’s control. They would need a club to come in with an offer and for instance if it is not Real Madrid who make that offer, Saliba would have to be open to accepting it.
The ultimate goal will be to renew the Frenchman’s contract and put an end to such speculation. The same goes for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes who both are also out of contract in 2027.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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