Real Madrid reportedly have a ‘trump card’ in the case of William Saliba, as they could plot an approach next summer.
According to AS via Sport Witness, Real Madrid may have a ‘trump card’ of sorts in their pursuit of William Saliba. The Arsenal fan favourite is discussing a new deal at the Emirates, but should he decide against renewing his stay there, the Spanish giants could make their case with an approach next summer.
Real Madrid are expected to attack the market for a new centre-back to shore up the backline. There are some changes planned ahead of next summer, when the likes of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are expected to depart when their contracts expire.
They did sign Dean Huijsen during the summer, but Xabi Alonso wants another top-draw centre-back with enough experience to fit straight into his plans. The names of William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate have rung in the media on more than one occasion over the last few months, but it may be a case that Real Madrid might be closer to the latter than the former.
Konate has reportedly told Liverpool of his intention not to renew his deal at the club, which could fuel speculation about a free transfer to Real Madrid. With the Frenchman already into the final year of his deal, the Spanish giants ight have it easy with him rather than Saliba.
Saliba was recently offered a new deal by Arsenal recently and there are indications that the discussions are heading in a positive direction over his renewal. However, the report claims that Real Madrid holds a ‘trump card’ in the Arsenal fan favourite’s chase, which effectively is their hope that the Frenchman will refuse to renew his deal.
William Saliba is not expected to leave Arsenal
Andrea Berta has made progress in talks with Saliba as well as Bukayo Saka regarding their new deals. There’s no indication from anywhere that Saliba has been angling for an exit out of the club, with Mikel Arteta recently commenting about the player’s desire to stay at the club.
The report states that Real Madrid will use their ‘trump card’ if Saliba refuses to renew and approach Arsenal for Saliba in the hope of getting a favourable deal. However, their chances are still slim given the Frenchman will have another year to his deal after next summer, although the signs so far strongly indicate that the defender will renew at the Emirates and sign a new long-term deal.
