La Liga
Real Madrid has been analyzing options to strengthen its defense for some time, and one of the names that generates the most interest in Valdebebas is William Saliba, the current center-back of Arsenal.
However, the chances of the white team securing his services are becoming increasingly complicated. The London club is determined to shield their player with a top-level renewal, preventing Real Madrid's interest from materializing into a real signing.
The signing of William Saliba by Real Madrid is becoming an uphill battle
The English club, aware of Saliba's importance in their setup, has presented an improved proposal that includes a significant salary increase and clauses that reinforce his role as a key player both in the present and the future of the team. It has been reported that Arsenal does not want to reach the summer of 2026 with the player entering the final year of his contract, which is why the operation has been accelerated.
As reported by EstadioDeportivo, those at the Santiago Bernabéu are watching closely, knowing that significant changes in the defense could occur at the end of the season. The potential departures of players like Rüdiger or Alaba open the door to new signings, but the barrier created by Arsenal with Saliba's contract extension makes any move challenging. At 24 years old, the French international is already considered a guarantee for Didier Deschamps in the national team and one of the most solid center-backs in the Premier League.
Real Madrid's fear is evident: if the renewal is confirmed, Saliba will be tied until 2027, preventing any attempt to acquire him for free or at a reduced price. Consequently, Real Madrid will have to consider other options, such as Ibrahima Konaté, also on the radar for upcoming transfer windows.

The Arsenal project under the guidance of Mikel Arteta continues to solidify, and they are not willing to lose one of their strategic pieces. The London team believes that Saliba is an indispensable pillar to maintain competitiveness in both the English league and Europe, clearly stating that they will not negotiate with any interested club.
Meanwhile, in Madrid, there are several avenues being explored. Club executives, led by Florentino Pérez, understand that the future of the defense requires a blend of young talent and experience. However, signs point to Real Madrid having to forget about Saliba if, as it seems, Arsenal succeeds in finalizing his renewal.
Arsenal's move is a strategic play: securing their star center-back and, in turn, sending a direct message to Real Madrid. The dream signing desired by the white fans may become an impossibility, at least in the short term.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Arsenal destroza un fichaje del Real Madrid
