Reports say that La Liga champions Real Madrid might try to sign William Saliba from Arsenal in the summer of 2023
According to a report from the Spanish news site Fichajes, Real Madrid is showing interest in making a move for William Saliba in the summer of 2023. The Arsenal center-back is one of three central defenders that Real Madrid is interested in.
William Saliba had to work hard to get a regular spot on the Arsenal team. But after a few successful loan stints in Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne, OGC Nice, and Marseille, he has finally become a key player for the Gunners. The 21-year-old is now one of the first names on the team sheet at the Emirates.
The French defender has played for Arsenal 11 times and has scored two goals and set up one. And because of how well he has played, some of the biggest clubs in Europe, like Real Madrid, have their eyes on him.
Will Real Madrid get William Saliba?
The defending La Liga champions strengthened their defence by adding Antonio Rudiger this past summer. In the last two years, David Alaba and Eder Militao have also joined Real Madrid, making their defence stronger. So it’s not clear why Los Blancos would want to sign another centre back next year.
But Nacho might not be at the Santiago Bernabeu after the 2022/23 season. This is because talks between Real Madrid and the Spaniard about renewing his contract have not gone as planned. So, Real Madrid might have to look for a centre-back in 2023. Saliba could be a good option.
Real Madrid is also interested in players like Pau Torres and Milan Skriniar, as well as the in-form Arsenal centre-back. The Gunners are also reportedly putting a high priority on extending Saliba’s contract. That’s because next year will be the last year of his contract, which will let his suitors get involved.
Other teams, like Paris Saint-Germain, have also shown interest in Saliba. But Arsenal wants to keep the French centre back who is in good form, so it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid or another club can sign him next summer.
Will Arsenal renew Saliba?
James McNicholas of The Athletic has reported that William Saliba’s contract with Arsenal will end at the end of this season.
Before any Gunners fans start to worry about the player’s future, McNicholas also said that the club has the option to keep him at the Emirates for another year.
Saliba is still in a good position to negotiate since he will be in the last 18 months of his contract in the new year. Talks about his future are likely to take priority over talks about other players.
McNicholas has confirmed that talks are also going on with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Both players want to stay at Arsenal. This should help talks move forward in the coming weeks.
