Since becoming a star player at Arsenal, William Saliba has constantly been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid — either through sheer speculation or by pundits.
But in fairness, Real Madrid’s reported priority is to sign Saliba this summer — with the Frenchman only having two years left on his contract.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are huge admirers of the 23-year-old, with Real Madrid viewing Saliba on Jude Bellingham’s level amongst all the centre-backs in the world.
Arsenal, like any side would perhaps be concerned about Los Blancos’ interest as they have a habit of prising away players from even some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League without breaking a sweat.
Such is the Spanish giants’ unrivalled status in world football, having plucked out Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
In William Saliba, the Gunners well and truly have arguably one of the best centre-backs in Europe and the champions of Europe are seemingly aware of how incredible the former Saint-Etienne defender is.
What William Saliba keeps telling Arsenal amid Real Madrid links
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Saliba’s future and it looks like they are ready to swoop in for his signature if they get the inkling that he is ready to depart Arsenal.
Regardless of how Saliba feels about his future, the chance to play for Real Madrid must be a tempting prospect for any player in the world.
But Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Saliba, who Jamie Carragher dubbed a “Real Madrid player” keeps reassuring those at the Emirates Stadium that his sights are set on staying in North London.
Romano said on his official YouTube channel: “William Saliba at Arsenal, a fantastic player, a fantastic defender and what he wanted to clarify in the press conference before the game against PSV and Dortmund is really important for Arsenal because first of all, Saliba said we are not in talks over a new deal, we had many reports about negotiations started, negotiations didn’t start but there’s still had two years and a half left on his contract at Arsenal.”
“It’s also important to say William Saliba said I want to continue here and this is the message he’s sending in public but also in private. He’s telling Arsenal not to panic, I was confirming to you that Real Madrid appreciate Saliba. Someone internally at Real Madrid see William Saliba as the [Jude] Bellingham of defenders. So, they consider Saliba as a fantastic player, fantastic opportunity, out of contract in 2027.”
“But it’s something not being negotiated now. Real Madrid are not negotiating with Saliba, Real Madrid have not approached Arsenal, so they are not negotiation and Saliba sent a very clear message. Also, for Mikel Arteta and for the new director Andrea Berta, Saliba is considered an absolutely crucial player for the project. They want to win things, Saliba, Arteta and now also Berta all together, winning things altogether in this project, this is what they want to do.”
What Andrea Berta plans to do with William Saliba’s future at Arsenal
Arsenal fans will be delighted to discover that Saliba is committed to the cause under Mikel Arteta and his head has not turned despite Real Madrid’s interest.
If Arteta plans to win major silverware, keeping the revered centre-back should be one of their biggest priorities.
As a result, Andrea Berta eyes a new contract for Saliba as talks before the summer are due and considered a priority by both the Italian sporting director and Arsenal.
