February 7th 2025.
Real Madrid is showing a keen interest in signing William Saliba from Arsenal this upcoming summer. The Spanish giants have made it clear that the acquisition of Saliba is their top priority, but Arsenal has responded with a significant demand in light of this transfer speculation. Saliba has proven to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League over the last three seasons, playing a crucial role in Arsenal's three consecutive title challenges. With an impressive partnership alongside Gabriel, Arsenal boasted the best defensive record in the English top-flight last season, conceding only 29 goals in 38 league games.
Saliba's development into a world-class defender has come after a slow start to his Arsenal career, which saw him spend three seasons on loan after being signed for a hefty fee of £27m. His exceptional performances in North London have earned him international recognition for France, with 26 caps since 2022, and sparked speculation linking him with Real Madrid - arguably the biggest club in the world.
According to RMC Sport, Real Madrid has been linked with a move for Saliba for some time now, and they are not only targeting a summer deal but have also made the Frenchman their top priority. However, Arsenal is not expecting to lose Saliba, who they consider to be the best centre-back in the world, and will demand an astronomical fee for any potential transfer. Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol and Manchester United's Harry Maguire currently hold the record for the most expensive defenders in history, with fees just under £80m, but Arsenal will demand a higher price for Saliba.
While Saliba has been a key player for title-chasing Arsenal, he did struggle against Alexander Isak during the Gunners' Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle United. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara stated that "Gabriel and William Saliba could not deal with Alexander Isak at all - he had them rattled," highlighting the young defender's potential to be one of the world's best.
After reaching another Carabao Cup final following their 2023 defeat to Manchester United, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe revealed that his team's strategy was to target Saliba and Gabriel. He stated, "We wanted to get pressure on them [Saliba and Gabriel] and in order to do that, we had to get bodies in the right areas and press high. That is how we decided to do it." This tactic proved effective, as it disrupted Arsenal's usually solid defensive partnership and led to their downfall.
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed concern about the club's top players, including Saliba, potentially leaving if they continue to go without winning a trophy. With only two years left on their contracts after this season, Wright believes that the players' agents and managers may prioritize focusing on their game and preparing for the upcoming World Cup. He also drew comparisons to Liverpool's current situation, where their top players are rumored to be considering their futures due to a lack of ambition from the club. The pressure is on for Arsenal to start winning silverware, or they risk losing their world-class talents.
Currently, Arsenal has a weekend off following their FA Cup exit to Manchester United before returning to Premier League action on February 15 against struggling Leicester City. This will be a crucial match for the Gunners to bounce back from their recent defeat and continue their pursuit of a title. Real Madrid's interest in Saliba serves as a reminder of his value and potential, and Arsenal must do everything in their power to keep him at the club for the long term.
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