October 14th 2024.
Real Madrid are reportedly targeting William Saliba as their top choice for next summer's transfer window. Former footballer Tony Cascarino has cautioned Arsenal that they must win trophies if they want to keep Saliba from moving to Madrid. It has been reported in France that Madrid have identified Saliba as one of their primary targets for the upcoming transfer window.
However, Arsenal have an advantage in negotiations as Saliba signed a contract extension 16 months ago, keeping him at the club until 2027. Despite this, Cascarino believes that Arsenal must achieve success both domestically and in Europe to fend off interest from the current Champions League holders.
Cascarino expressed, "There are always vultures in football circling around clubs, trying to snatch their best players. And there's no bigger vulture than Real Madrid. When they set their sights on a player, there's a good chance they'll get them." He added, "It's not just about convincing the player, but also the agents who may be lured by the glamour of Real Madrid. Winning and being successful is crucial in retaining players."
Saliba has already proven himself as a key player for Arsenal under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. Cascarino believes that the young defender has the potential to play at the level of Real Madrid, but Arsenal must show they are capable of being successful and competing for the Champions League title, as Madrid often do.
When asked if Saliba would be irreplaceable at Arsenal, Cascarino replied, "I think every player is replaceable to some extent. But when a team like Real Madrid is interested in you, you know that they are consistently winning the Champions League. It's a problem for Arsenal when a club like Real Madrid comes calling." He continued, "Saliba just signed a five-year deal a year ago, so he is under contract for a while. But Arsenal may have to offer him a new deal to keep him for even longer."
Overall, Cascarino sees this as a positive for Arsenal, as it shows they are becoming a successful club that other top teams want to take players from. He concluded, "It's a problem, but a good one to have for Arsenal. It proves that they are moving in the right direction and that a club like Real Madrid is interested in one of their players."
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