Football
Arsenal To Offer William Saliba Massive New Contract In Bid To Ward Off Real Madrid Interest
James is an experienced writer covering a wide range of sports. He has previously written for national UK titles and now provides detailed features and breaking news stories.
Get to know James Chittick betterPublished15 hours ago on October 14, 2024
Arsenal are reportedly set to offer William Saliba a new contract as they look to fight off interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, the Gunners are hoping to quickly squash rumours of the defender’s impending exit.
With Mikel Arteta’s men once again involved in a title race, they boast a number of high-profile players who have become crucial in recent seasons.
Few are more important to Arsenal than Saliba. The 23-year-old French centre-back has been a monster in defence at the Emirates.
Such is the speed of his development that he has now attracted interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish club reportedly made contact with Saliba’s agent about a potential transfer.
But Arsenal have made it clear they will not let their man go cheaply. The North London club would expect a record-breaking fee to even consider sanctioning Saliba’s exit.
And now they have further reinforced their position, with a new contract offer on the horizon.
Saliba’s current deal runs to June 2027, but Arsenal appear keen to extend that.
The defender reached 50 Premier League victories for Arsenal in just 66 games – the fastest player ever to hit that milestone.
Alongside defensive partner Gabriel, the duo have been touted by Arteta as one of the best pairings in the world.
William Saliba’s New Contract Offer Could Leave Real Madrid Disappointed
Saliba was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, as well as last season’s Premier League player of the year.
Although he missed out on both awards, it’s clear he is indispensable to Arsenal.
With the Gunners so desperate to keep their man, Real Madrid will be hard-pressed to sign Saliba.
Having lost Nacho and seen Leny Yorto opt for Manchester United, Madrid fans have been hopeful a move might materialise.
But this new contract offer may force Los Blancos to search elsewhere.
The likes of Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah are among several potential defensive solutions.
Whoever Real Madrid bring in, clubs are likely to demand extortionate fees in the knowledge the Spanish side cannot afford to leave themselves without a top-level defender.