Real Madrid have received a major blow in their pursuit of Arsenal mainstay William Saliba as he wants to continue in North London.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Real Madrid are keen on reinforcing their defence and Arsenal’s William Saliba is quite high on their wishlist. Los Blancos see him as an ideal fit for their team, and they have contacted his agents regarding a potential transfer. While the player is delighted to be linked with the Spanish giants, he is happy to continue at the North London club.
Saliba’s incredible rise at Saint-Etienne had caught the attention of multiple top clubs, but Arsenal were quick to strike a deal for the French centre-back. They signed him in the summer of 2019. While he stayed back on a season-long loan and had multiple spells away from the club, the 23-year-old has been a constant feature at the back for them in the past few seasons.
Real Madrid have their eyes on Saliba
William Saliba has been one of the first names on the team sheet under Mikel Arteta and his consistent performances have put him on the radar of Real Madrid. Los Blancos are looking to freshen things up at the back, with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger on the wrong side of 30.
While Rudiger surely can continue for a few more years, Alaba who will turn 33 before the start of next season has struggled to stay fit. As a result, they are looking at Saliba as someone who can help them in the long run.
William Saliba does not intend to leave Arsenal
The Spanish giants have established contact with the French international’s representatives. While the player is flattered by their interest, he does not intend on leaving Arsenal anytime soon. The 23-year-old wants to continue his development under Mikel Arteta.
Even the North London club do not want to negotiate his departure. The French international is a key part of their plans and they want him around as they look to end their wait for major silverware. Saliba signed a new £190,000-a-week contract last year, which runs until the summer of 2027, as a result, they are in full control of the situation.
While the team from Madrid did contact his agents they have only collected preliminary information on the player’s situation and have not held any concrete talks regarding a transfer. So, Real Madrid will unlikely sign Saliba from Arsenal anytime soon.
