Arsenal have officially opened contract talks with Real Madrid target William Saliba, according to David Ornstein.
The France international has established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable centre-backs since becoming a regular at Arsenal. Saliba is widely recognised as being among the best in his position.
They will feel emboldened by their successful pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whom they managed to convince to swap Liverpool for Spain’s capital after courting him for over a year.
However, Arsenal have no intention of entertaining a departure of Saliba, and David Ornstein of The Athletic now reports that they have taken the first concrete steps towards tying him to the club for the foreseeable future.
Arsenal open Saliba talks
The transfer insider reports that Arsenal have officially opened talks with Saliba over a bumper new deal. His current contract runs until 2027, so the Gunners are not under any immediate pressure to finalise these fresh terms quickly.
However, they are clearly looking to avoid an Alexander-Arnold situation, who has run down his contract at Liverpool to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
The North London side have yet to make a formal offer to Saliba, but new sporting director Andrea Berta has sought to significantly ramp up discussions over a new contract in a bid to nip any potential Real Madrid hope in the bud.
Ornstein reports that Saliba is content at the Emirates, but also states that he is determined to get a deal for himself that better reflects his status as one of the best defenders in world football.
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