Fabrizio Romano Reveals Real Madrid’s Plan to Steal Saliba, But Arsenal Has a Secret Weapon.
Arsenal defender William Saliba has been attracting attention from La Liga giants Real Madrid, with reports linking him to a potential move.
The Spanish club is eager to strengthen its defence following persistent injury issues among its backline. Reports from Spain in January suggested that Real Madrid is prepared to spend significantly to secure the services of the French international.
Saliba began his professional career at St Etienne, making his senior debut for the Ligue 1 club in 2018. Recognizing his talent early, Arsenal swiftly secured his signature in a £27 million deal the following year. Following a loan spell back at his former club, he returned to North London and established himself as a crucial figure in Arsenal’s central defence.
Since his integration into the first team, Saliba has developed a strong defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes. Their solid performances have played a key role in Arsenal’s recent Premier League title pursuits. His presence at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s defence has made him indispensable to the team’s ambitions.
Transfer Speculation and Current Status
Despite the ongoing speculation, any move to Real Madrid appears distant. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided insight into the situation, stating that while Madrid admires Saliba, no formal discussions or negotiations have taken place.
He emphasized that the French defender remains a vital component of Arsenal’s squad and that there is currently nothing beyond Madrid’s appreciation of his talent.
According to reports from The Mirror, Arsenal is eager to secure Saliba’s long-term future at the club. Negotiations are underway for a new contract that would see his wages rise substantially.
At present, he earns £190,000 per week, making him the seventh highest-paid player at the club, with an annual salary of £9.8 million. If the new contract is finalized, his earnings could increase to £250,000 per week, raising his annual salary to £13 million.
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With Saliba being a fundamental part of Arsenal’s defensive structure, the club is keen to ensure his commitment remains intact. While Real Madrid’s interest persists, there is currently no indication of an imminent transfer, leaving Arsenal in a strong position to retain their defensive star.
Fabrizio Romano Reveals Real Madrid’s Plan to Steal Saliba, But Arsenal Has a Secret Weapon.
