Arsenal will reportedly look to secure an agreement with 24-year-old French international William Saliba over a new contract amid his links with Real Madrid.

According to a report by Football Insider, William Saliba is the subject of interest of Real Madrid. The Merengues are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit next year by signing a centre-back. So, the 24-year-old Arsenal defender has emerged as a target for Los Blancos.

However, the Gunners are prioritising keeping the Frenchman at the Emirates beyond the 2025/26 season. So, they are intensifying their efforts to secure an agreement with Saliba over a new contract, thus thwarting Real Madrid’s attempts to land the Arsenal defender.

William Saliba and his meteoric rise

William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in a deal worth £27 million in July 2019. While the 24-year-old had to bide his time after moving to the Emirates, he has not looked back since becoming a first-choice starter in the 2022/23 season.

Saliba has made nearly 150 appearances thus far for the North London outfit while chipping in with seven goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the French defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Real Madrid will aim to beat the competition to his signature next year.

Can Real Madrid sign Saliba?

Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba makes sense. While Los Blancos signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window, they will look to sign another centre-back next year amid the advancing age of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger. Additionally, Eder Militao’s long-term fitness situation is uncertain after suffering two season-ending knee injuries in as many campaigns.

So, Saliba has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Merengues keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by securing the Arsenal defender’s services next summer. However, the Gunners want to tie the 24-year-old Frenchman to a new contract, and they have already offered a deal to his entourage to try and ward off Real Madrid.

The latest update has claimed that the Premier League bigwigs are prioritising keeping Saliba at the Emirates beyond the 2025/26 season. With Arsenal ready to intensify the efforts to secure an agreement with the French international over a new contract, thus thwarting Real Madrid.