William Saliba has reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Real Madrid by committing his future to Arsenal.
According to a report by talkSPORT, Real Madrid wanted to sign William Saliba in the summer transfer window. But the 22-year-old has snubbed the Spanish club to commit his future to Arsenal. And he will sign a new four-year deal at the Emirates to extend his stay until June 30, 2027.
William Saliba had to bide his time before becoming a regular for Arsenal. The French defender was one of the best young prospects in his homeland when he joined the North London club from Saint-Etienne in July 2019. But he needed three loan spells in France before establishing a foothold at the Emirates.
However, the 22-year-old has not looked back since becoming a regular for Arsenal. And he turned out 33 times across all competitions for the Gunners this past season. In addition, such has been Saliba’s influence that Arsenal’s defence crumbled in his absence during the run-in. And the young defender’s progress has captured the attention of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid might enter the market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window, although it is not a priority for them. The Merengues plan to bolster their backline if David Alaba leaves ahead of the 2023/24 season. And recent reports have linked the Austrian international with a possible summer departure.
While a summer exit is unlikely, the Spanish giants are keeping their options open. And William Saliba had emerged as a top target for Real Madrid heading into the summer transfer window. The Arsenal defender has been on Los Blancos’ radar since October. In addition, his contract situation had captured the attention of Real Madrid.
Saliba’s current Arsenal contract will run out next summer. And that compelled several clubs to pursue the 22-year-old, including Real Madrid. But the French international has reportedly committed his future to Arsenal. And he will sign a new four-year contract that will run until June 30, 2027.
Saliba’s decision comes as a blow for Real Madrid. But the Merengues won’t have the need to sign a centre-back if Alaba does not leave in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Arsenal will be grateful to have successfully rounded off the negotiations by securing the 22-year-old’s future.
