Arsenal will reportedly aim to tie 24-year-old French centre-back William Saliba to a new five-year contract amid his links with Real Madrid.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, William Saliba is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in next summer’s transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Arsenal defender has emerged as a target for Los Blancos.
However, the Gunners are keen on tying the Frenchman to a new contract, and they have offered a five-year deal to him. Arsenal and Saliba’s entourage are holding talks, and the Premier League bigwigs “hope to obtain a positive response” from the player’s representatives amid his links with Real Madrid.
The rise and rise of William Saliba
William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in a deal worth £27 million in July 2019. While the 24-year-old had to bide his time before becoming a mainstay at the back for the North London club, he has not looked back since establishing a foothold in the first-team squad at Arsenal in the 2022/23 season, becoming a mainstay at the back for his club and country.
Saliba has turned out nearly 150 times thus far for the North London outfit while chipping in with seven goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the French defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Real Madrid will aim to beat the competition to his signature next summer.
La Liga adventure on the horizon?
Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba makes sense. While Los Blancos signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this past summer, they can do with another centre-back next year due to the advancing age of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger. Additionally, Eder Militao’s fitness situation is uncertain after suffering two long-term knee injuries in as many seasons.
So, Saliba has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Spanish outfit keen on securing his services in a bargain move next summer. However, Arsenal will aim to tie the 24-year-old Frenchman to a new contract, and they have offered a five-year deal to his entourage.
Recent reports have claimed that the Gunners are confident of securing an agreement with Saliba over a new contract. With Arsenal holding talks with the French defender’s representatives after submitting a five-year contract, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Real Madrid target.
