Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has warned his compatriot, William Saliba, could seek a move to Real Madrid if an offer came by.
William Saliba has established himself as a key pillar of Arsenal’s defence ever since Mikel Arteta integrated the Frenchman into his team in 2022. The Frenchman was instrumental in their Premier League triumph last season after a gap of 22 years, with the club doing well over the years to ensure the defender remained in North London.
The 25-year-old key star is widely considered one of the best centre-backs in the world at this moment, and Arsenal are reaping the benefits of his talent as things stand. However, given his talent and performances, the interest from elsewhere will not have surprised those at the north London club, with Real Madrid among those monitoring him despite a renewal last season.
Real Madrid continue to maintain an interest, as per reports around the recent summer window, as Jose Mourinho wants a formidable player in his backline. There’s a perception in the market that players rarely reject the idea of playing at the Bernabeu if the Spanish giants come calling, and William Gallas believes that might be the case with his compatriot, Saliba.
Arsenal handed William Saliba warning
Gallas, who was once a captain of Arsenal, has now given his warning to his former side about Saliba. His comments appeared on Team Talk, and the former defender insisted that should a club like Real Madrid come calling for Saliba, the defender will seek a move, while explaining that the Gunners are not at the level of the Spanish giants.
Gallas said, “Are Arsenal at a high enough level now that William Saliba would turn down Real Madrid if they came in for him? I know a lot of people will be mad about what I’m going to say right now, but if we are talking about the history of both clubs, Real Madrid and Arsenal, then Real Madrid is Real Madrid. They are on a different level.”
“The pressure is bigger there. The atmosphere around the club is different. Every game, the fans expect you to win. Every game, the fans expect you to have a great performance. Every season, the fans expect you to win La Liga or to win the Champions League, so it’s a different level.
“For me, even if their performances at the moment are not the best, and even if they haven’t won the biggest trophies recently, Madrid is Madrid, and I’m telling you, any player who has the opportunity to go to Madrid, they will try to go there, and you can’t blame them. You couldn’t blame a player like Saliba if that is his decision.”
Gallas’s assessment of the Saliba situation might have left a few important details out, even if players like the 25-year-old key star may find it difficult to turn down a team like Real Madrid. The first factor is the long-term contract that Saliba is tied to with the Gunners, with the defender’s deal not expiring before the summer of 2030.
Given that, the financial aspect will be the second important factor, as Arsenal are in a strong position to demand a significant fee. They could possibly ask for a sum that may far eclipse the current world-record fee for a centre-back, and then it will be in Real Madrid’s hands if they are capable or willing to pay as much.
While the attractiveness of Real Madrid holds ground, the reality of the situation is far different from what Gallas explains. Saliba seems to be happy at Arsenal and is one of their best stars right now; it’s difficult to see the club willingly parting ways with him anytime soon.