William Saliba is ready to snub Real Madrid and sign a new contract with Arsenal, thus ending Los Blancos’ move for the 26-cap French international.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, William Saliba is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Arsenal defender. However, the 26-cap French international is ready to snub Los Blancos to commit his long-term future to the North London club.

William Saliba and his career so far

William Saliba has come leaps and bounds since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in July 2019. The Frenchman did not hit the ground running at the North London club and embarked on three loan spells away from the Emirates before establishing a foothold in the Gunners’ first-team squad.

The 24-year-old has turned out over 100 times thus far for Arsenal while chipping in with seven goals and two assists. In addition, Saliba has become a mainstay at the back for France, making 26 appearances for Les Bleus.

Meanwhile, Saliba’s exploits for his club and country have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Widespread reports have particularly linked the 26-cap French international with Real Madrid, with Los Blancos eager to beat the competition to his signature in the summer transfer window.

Will Real Madrid sign Saliba?

Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba makes sense. The reigning La Liga champions are combing the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window after struggling with an injury crisis in the central defensive unit in the last two seasons. Eder Militao has missed most of the campaigns since 2023/24 began.

In addition, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are on the wrong side of 30. So, Saliba has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid. However, the 24-year-old Frenchman is committed to Arsenal, and he is ready to sign a new contract with the North London club.

Recent reports have claimed that Andrea Berta is lining up a new contract for Saliba, and the player has boosted Arsenal’s prospects. So, Real Madrid must look elsewhere for a new centre-back heading into the summer transfer window.