‘Real Madrid are difficult for William Saliba to reject’ – Expert responds to Arsenal twist
Arsenal have no intentions of letting William Saliba leave the club at any stage in the near future despite constant speculation about Real Madrid’s interest.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Mikel Arteta will not entertain any talk about the 24-year-old’s departure.
Real Madrid are determined to strengthen their defensive options and long-term plans are being put in place to attract Saliba when his contract expires in 2027.
However, Brown told Football Insider in May that Arsenal are stepping up contract talks with Saliba in an attempt to secure his future at the Emirates.
The Gunners are prepared to do all they can to keep the France international at the Emirates as they continue to push for long-term success and silverware.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 9 May that Arsenal are opening talks with Saliba as Madrid planned to unsettle him before making a move.
Arsenal plan to keep William Saliba despite Real Madrid interest
Brown told Football Insider in February that Madrid are likely to move for Saliba and have identified him as the clear long-term option at the back.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Arsenal will do everything in their power to deter that growing interest.
“It’s no secret Real Madrid have been looking at Saliba,” he told Football Insider.
“We know they want to strengthen at the back, and they’ve never been afraid to wait if it means they can get a better deal with his contract running down.
“From Arsenal’s point of view, there’s no way they’ll be willing to let him go.
“I expect they’ll be doing everything in their power to deter that interest from Madrid.
“I’ve said it before, players often find it very difficult to turn down Real Madrid if an offer arrives.
“But Arsenal want Saliba to stay and be a crucial part of what Mikel Arteta is building there, because they want to win the Premier League and Champions League.
“If it’s a new contract, then they’ll be working on that, trying to tie him down.
“He’s too important for them to lose, whether it’s now or in a couple of years, he’s the type of player they’re going to keep building the team around.”
Mikel Arteta eyes Eberechi Eze deal as Crystal Palace stand revealed
While plans are being put in place to keep Saliba at the club, Arsenal are also working on strengthening the squad around him, with Eberechi Eze the latest in their sights.
Football Insider revealed on 13 July that Arsenal are prepared to meet Eze’s release clause if they can reach an agreement over the payment structure.
While Oliver Glasner’s side are reluctant to let Eze leave, the two clubs are continuing in negotiations as Arsenal are unable to pay the full £68million up front.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 14 July that Eze is interested in joining Arsenal as he wants to compete for regular silverware and play Champions League football.
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