Arsenal can breathe a sigh of relief as William Saliba is reportedly not pushing for a move to Real Madrid, despite serious interest from the Spanish giants. While Madrid remain keen on landing the Arsenal defensive rock—either this summer or in 2026—Saliba is in no rush to force an exit from North London.
William Saliba has risen to the ranks of Europe’s finest defenders, catching the eye of top clubs across the continent. With his Arsenal contract entering its final two years this summer, speculation around his future is heating up. Real Madrid are said to be the only club with the pull and ambition to potentially tempt the Frenchman away from north London.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is reportedly eager to bring William Saliba to the Bernabéu, viewing the 24-year-old as the ideal long-term leader of the club’s defence. Spanish reports suggest Pérez is ready to build the backline around Saliba for years to come, making him a central figure in Madrid’s future plans.
Saliba will not force move to Real Madrid
According to French outlet L’Équipe, William Saliba has no intention of forcing a move to Real Madrid. His representatives are still engaged in discussions with the Gunners’ hierarchy, working on a potential contract extension that could secure his long-term future in north London.
The report adds that William Saliba needs to be convinced of the club’s ability to compete for major trophies at the Emirates Stadium. New sporting director Andrea Berta, however, has no intention of selling the star defender to Real Madrid or any other suitor, making it clear that Saliba remains central to the club’s long-term vision.
Madrid eyeing Alexander-Arnold instead
Real Madrid are expected to pull off a sensational free transfer by signing Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer. The England international is set to leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season—bowing out as a Premier League champion.
William Saliba is unlikely to join Trent Alexander-Arnold in making a move to the Spanish capital—at least not this summer. Speaking last week, Mikel Arteta reaffirmed the centre-back’s contentment in north London, stating:
“I leave those kind of things more for Andrea and the club to talk about”.
“What I’m certain, because I had a conversation with him, that he’s so happy here, that he wants to continue with us, and what will happen in the future. Obviously it’s our negotiations and things that have to take time and process and be on top of them, but I’m quite confident that William is very happy here and that’s the place that he wants to be.”
Arsenal have once again fallen short in their pursuit of the Premier League title, and a recent dip in form has left their Champions League qualification for next season still uncertain. Last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the European semi-final has left Mikel Arteta’s side with a tough challenge ahead, as they head to Paris for the crucial second leg on Wednesday.
