Arsenal news: Real Madrid is reportedly monitoring William Saliba, Arsenal’s 23-year-old defensive star, with a potential move in mind for 2025. This news stems from Real Madrid scouts being present during the north Londoners’ clash with Aston Villa last month, as reported by Graeme Bailey of TBR Football. The interest from the Spanish giants highlights Saliba’s rise as one of the Premier League’s top defenders, particularly with his standout performances for Arsenal.
Saliba’s journey at Arsenal has been a testament to his growth and resilience. Having initially been loaned out to various clubs after joining the north Londoners from Saint-Étienne in 2019, Saliba’s return to the Emirates has been nothing short of spectacular. He has cemented his place in the heart of Arsenal’s defense, becoming not just a regular starter but also arguably the best defender in the squad. His composure on the ball, ability to read the game, and physical presence have made him a key asset for Mikel Arteta’s side.
This Arsenal player was wanted by Real Madrid last month
The Frenchman’s performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe, and Real Madrid’s interest is a testament to his quality. Los Blancos, known for their ability to attract top talent, see Saliba as a potential long-term solution to their defensive needs. With the aging duo of David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, the Spanish giants are likely looking for younger options to refresh their backline. Saliba fits the bill perfectly, given his age, skill set, and potential for further development.
While Real Madrid’s interest is clear, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal would entertain the idea of selling one of their most prized assets. Saliba is under contract with the north Londoners until 2026, and the club would likely demand a hefty fee for his services. Arsenal has shown in recent transfer windows that they are not afraid to spend big to strengthen their squad, and they would likely be just as determined to hold on to their key players.
Opinion:
Furthermore, Saliba himself may have reservations about leaving the Gunners at this stage of his career. Arsenal is currently building a young and dynamic squad under Arteta, with ambitions of competing for major trophies in the coming years. Saliba is a crucial part of that project, and he may prefer to stay and continue his development in a familiar environment rather than make the jump to a new league and country.
Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba adds another layer of intrigue to his future, but for now, the focus remains on his performances for Arsenal. The Gunners will be hoping that their defensive rock can continue to deliver top performances as they aim for success in the Premier League and other competitions.
In my opinion, while Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba is a sign of his quality, Arsenal should do everything in their power to keep him. The Gunners are building something special, and losing a player of Saliba’s caliber could be a significant setback. Saliba has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the world, and Arsenal is the perfect place for him to achieve that. However, football is unpredictable, and if Real Madrid comes knocking with a big offer, it will be interesting to see how both the player and the club respond.
