According to reports, La Liga giants Real Madrid are stepping up their interest in world-class Arsenal and France centre-back William Saliba.
signed Saliba for around £27m when he was a pretty unknown quantity in 2019. He had successful loan spells at Nice and Marseille before he broke through for the Premier League giants at the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
Over the past couple of years, 23-year-old has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in the world as he s struck up a sensational partnership with Brazil international Gabriel Magalhaes.
Saliba is one of Arsenal s most valuable assets and he s under contract until 2027. His form in the Premier League has not gone unnoticed as he s been heavily linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid after they missed out on Manchester United newbie Leny Yoro.
heading into January and next summer.
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Real Madrid have genuine interest in signing Saliba as they plan to sign a new centre-back next year.
However, Arsenal are said to have revealed their unequivocal stance on selling Saliba as Real Madrid prepared to offer a swap deal.
We have also been told in no uncertain terms that Saliba is not for sale at any price, with Arsenal determined to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of the 23-year-old.
Real Madrid would be prepared to offer a player to sweeten the deal and Rodrygo [] has been suggested as a potential option, but this is not expected to soften Arsenal s unequivocal stance.
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In fact, it is thought that Arsenal will try to sit down with Saliba in 2025 to discuss a new contract for the centre-back.
The Frenchman penned fresh terms with the Gunners last year and his current deal expires in 2027, so the north London club are not under any immediate pressure to act.
We understand that Saliba remains firmly committed to Arsenal despite Real Madrid s interest and that the player is determined to deliver domestic and international silverware this season.
