Madrid wait, Saliba stays

Saliba shrugs off Madrid speculation

Arsenal’s defensive leader William Saliba quashed speculation linking him with Real Madrid with just two words. Speaking to AFTV after a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Singapore, Saliba said “Hopefully soon” when asked about a new contract, giving a clear hint of his intentions. The 24-year-old Frenchman then crossed his fingers and looked up at the sky, a gesture warmly received by Arsenal fans.

Arsenal accelerating contract talks

Saliba’s current deal expires in June 2027. Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid view him as a key long-term target. The Spanish club has made a habit of acting early in the market, targeting players approaching the end of their contracts. The free transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool is a recent example of this approach. Romano also notes that Real Madrid are tracking Ibrahima Konaté, who could become a free agent in the summer of 2026, which further underlines the club’s early planning around defensive reinforcements.

Saliba features in Madrid’s long-term plans

According to L’Équipe, William Saliba is among the defenders Real Madrid are considering for 2025 or 2026. Since 2022, he has been a regular for Arsenal and is regarded as one of Europe’s top centre-backs. Madrid acknowledge the deal would be difficult, but not beyond reach. His long-term contract, Arsenal’s intent to keep him, and the financial demands involved make the situation complex. Real Madrid have rarely spent big on centre-backs over the past decade, with Eder Militão’s €50 million transfer from Porto in 2019 being a rare exception.

Injuries prompt Madrid’s defensive reset

Injuries to Eder Militão, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger during the 2024/25 season caused instability in Real Madrid’s backline. This has accelerated their planning for future defensive stability. Madrid showed interest in Leny Yoro last summer and secured Dean Huijsen this year. The young centre-back has impressed under Xabi Alonso and earned a starting role, including appearances in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. However, Real Madrid remain in the market for a proven, elite-level centre-back. Despite adding younger talents like Dean Huijsen, the club are still seeking a defender with top-tier experience and immediate impact potential. Saliba closely fits that profile. The feasibility of any move, however, depends on Arsenal’s position and the financial structure surrounding a potential deal.

Saliba’s stance: open but not insistent

As reported by L’Équipe, Saliba is not pushing for a move to Real Madrid but would consider it under the right conditions. His long-standing friendship with Kylian Mbappé, dating back to their days in Bondy, is also noted. Now teammates in the French national team, the chance to reunite at club level may weigh on Saliba’s thinking in the years ahead.

Wage structure: Saliba in second tier

Saliba earns a mid-level wage compared to other stars at the club. While he’s on similar terms to Bukayo Saka, he earns less than the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. That gap in earnings hasn’t diminished his loyalty to the club. In April, Saka stated, “I want to win, and I want to do it wearing this badge,” a sentiment Saliba has echoed through his recent comments.

Season goals: win everything

When asked about his expectations for the new season, Saliba smiled and replied with confidence: “Win everything. FA Cup, Champions League, Premier League, Carabao Cup. Hopefully.” Having taken on a central role in Mikel Arteta’s system, Saliba is targeting success both individually and collectively, and Arsenal appear ready to reward his leadership with a new deal.

51 appearances of consistency: the defensive anchor

William Saliba played 51 matches in all competitions for Arsenal during the 2024/25 season, establishing himself as the cornerstone of the defence. His strong partnership with Gabriel Magalhães was central to Arsenal’s tactical solidity. The pair’s physical resilience, spatial awareness, and command of the defensive line helped the team preserve leads throughout the campaign. Saliba’s presence raised the level of the entire defensive unit. This level of performance shows why he is indispensable for Arsenal and why Real Madrid have placed him firmly on their radar.