William Saliba responds to Real Madrid star’s message as Arsenal talks accelerate
Arsenal will be desperate to keep their defensive partnership of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba together this summer.
Saliba and Gabriel have been ever-present at the back for Arsenal across the past three seasons when fit, with the former making 35 league appearances last term and not missing a single match in 2023–24.
Defensive signings like Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have all been deployed in full-back roles since their arrivals, but speculation over both Gabriel and Saliba has raged in recent months.
Arsenal were quick to quieten talk of Gabriel leaving the Emirates and he penned a two-year extention to remain a Gunner until 2029, however Saliba’s future remains up in the air amid interest from Real Madrid.
Saliba sparks transfer speculation with Real Madrid response
Saliba was Madrid’s number one transfer target at centre-back ahead of the summer window, and Mick Brown told Football Insider in May that Arsenal are “desperate” for him to commit his future to the club.
Dean Huijsen’s £50million move from Bournemouth to the Santiago Bernabeu gives Arsenal the chance to tie Saliba down to a new contract, but a move could still be on the cards before the window ends.
Real Madrid have already given Huijsen his debut in the FIFA Club World Cup, and Aurelien Tchouameni sent a message of; “[Another] Day at the office”, after their 3-0 win over RB Salzburg on Thursday.
Saliba was one of several fellow France players to like Tchouameni’s post, and fans will hope that an apparent fondness for Real Madrid doesn’t derail Arsenal’s contract talks with their star defender.
Arsenal given time to complete crucial Saliba contract talks
Football Insider Verdict
Although Huijsen is expected to occupy Madrid’s central defence for years to come after snubbing several clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool, they will soon want a partner for the 20-year-old.
Antonio Rudiger is aging, Eder Militao is injury-prone and David Alaba is both, but Madrid’s involvement in the Club World Cup opens a window which Arsenal must close by securing a new contract for Saliba.
Gabriel has already committed his future to the Gunners and will undoubtedly hope his long-time partner follows suit, as will Mikel Arteta as pressure grows to finally deliver the Premier League title to Arsenal.