William Saliba may not be an option for suitors like Real Madrid, as Arsenal are unlikely to entertain any approaches for their star defender.
According to Jonathan Johnson via Caught Offside, William Saliba may not be a transfer target for top clubs in the near future. Arsenal are unlikely to entertain any approaches for the 23-year-old powerhouse defender, who is considered key to Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Arsenal unfazed by William Saliba speculation
In the past few days, William Saliba has made it to the back pages with some links to Real Madrid. The rumours point at the Spanish giants plotting a move for the 23-year-old Arsenal powerhouse, although they are unwilling to pay the hefty price tag attached to the star defender.
The Frenchman has grown into a top centre-back under Mikel Arteta, and currently, there’s an argument that he’s probably one of the best in the Premier League and even Europe. As Arsenal continue to build a top-draw side capable of challenging for top honours, the Frenchman is a key part of their plans.
Saliba has played an integral role in the last two seasons for Arsenal, while the north Londoners boasted the meanest backline in the Premier League last season. Hence, the tremendous interest in the 23-year-old will come as no surprise to the Gunners, who are not even thinking about life without him.
Arsenal are also warned about Real Madrid, but with a long-term contract in place with three years left on it, the north Londoners are unlikely to entertain any approaches for Saliba. It would be a blow of sorts for the Spanish giants, who could evaluate their defensive options next summer.
Mikel Arteta contract to impact Saliba’s future?
It is often the case with many clubs that some players’ futures are directly connected to those of their current managers. If that is the case with Saliba and a number of Arsenal players, it remains to be seen, but if it does count that way, then Arteta only signed a new three-year deal with the club on Thursday.
As Saliba has grown into a top-level star under the Spaniard despite initial doubts in the media about the pair’s relationship, the Frenchman might prefer to stick with his Arsenal manager. While the lure of a club like Real Madrid might prove tempting, the Gunners have tremendous power in negotiations, and the defender’s price tag may see him stay at the Emirates.
