Credit: @ChampionsLeague / X

Arsenal Accelerate Contract Talks With Defender Amid Real Madrid Interest

Real Madrid's plan is to lure the French defender on a cut-price deal in 2026, when he enters the final year of his current contract.

Credit: @ChampionsLeague / X

Arsenal have taken concrete steps to secure the long-term future of defender William Saliba as Real Madrid recently stepped up their pursuit of the French defender. According to reports in French media, Saliba has reportedly been in informal dialogue with Real Madrid for several weeks, which has raised the alarm bells within the Emirates hierarchy.

Recognising the threat of losing one of their most prized defenders, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has intensified contract discussions with Saliba in recent days. The move reflects Arsenal’s intent to shut down any potential path for Madrid which would have led the Spanish giants to negotiate with Saliba.

Real Madrid Plan To Lure Saliba on a Cut-Price Deal

Notably, Andrea Berta recently joined from Atletico Madrid and the Italian is well-versed with Real Madrid’s transfer tactics. Berta reportedly believes that Madrid are attempting to “plant the seed” early in Saliba’s mind, a familiar tactic they’ve used before.

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Real Madrid’s plan is to lure the French defender on a cut-price deal in 2026, when he enters the final year of his current contract or even on a free transfer in 2027. However, Arsenal are determined to avoid a repeat of the situation that saw Kylian Mbappe leave PSG for Real Madrid on a free transfer. Even, Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to join Los Blancos on a Bosman deal. The stylish right back recently announced that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the 2024–25 season.

The Gunners are focussed on accelerating negotiations to offer Saliba a lucrative and long-term offer. Saliba has emerged as one of Europe’s most complete centre-backs in recent seasons with his calm composure. The Frenchman’s aerial dominance and ball-playing ability has also attracted interest from other top clubs.

Defending champions Real Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarterfinals by Arsenal. The English side claimed an impressive 5-1 aggregate win over the Spanish giants. However, the Gunners also crashed out of the tournament, losing 2-1 in the second leg and 3-1 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain. The result ended the Gunners’ hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta

William Saliba

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.