Arsenal are reportedly extremely worried by Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba and they are eager to tie him down to a new long-term contract in order to ward off the Spanish giants.
Saliba, 24, has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers since he returned from a successful loan stint at Marseille in 2022 and Real Madrid have identified him as their dream centre-back target amid his immense form in north London.
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Eder Militao and David Alaba have both struggled to stay fully fit over the past few years and Los Blancos are determined to sign a new central defender this summer in a bid to improve their defensive options.
Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen has emerged as a key transfer target following his rise under Andoni Iraola on the south coast, but Chelsea are currently deemed to be the frontrunners for his signature and Real Madrid are unwilling to trigger his €58 million release clause as things stand.
The club are also pursuing a move for Saliba, although multiple reports indicate that he is extremely unlikely to leave Arsenal this summer.
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Despite this, Real Madrid remain interested in finalising an agreement for his signature and they are even open to waiting until he becomes a free agent in 2027 in order to sign him.
Arsenal are hoping to extend Saliba’s contract for several years, but Football Insider claim that “alarm bells are ringing” at the Emirates Stadium, with the club understood to be hugely concerned by Real Madrid’s pursuit of the France international.
William Saliba wants to stay at Arsenal
Despite Arsenal’s fears, Saliba recently admitted that he wants to stay at the club in order to win several major honours.
“I’m really happy here,” Saliba told reporters in March. “Because we have some years [remaining on his contract] there is no rush at the minute.
“I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.”
