Real Madrid are looking to bring in a central defender next summer, but it appears their first choice will be off the table. Los Blancos had been keeping a close eye on matters regarding William Saliba, but it seems Arsenal will fight off their advances.

Saliba has been on Real Madrid’s radar for some time, but his performances against Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League in April made a big impression in the director’s box at the Bernabeu. Their plan was to hold out until next summer, when Saliba would have a year left on his Arsenal deal, at which point they would consider making a bid for him.

Saliba agrees to new Arsenal contract

However it seems that Arsenal have won the battle for his affections, with The Athletic reporting that a new five-year contract has been agreed with Saliba. The 24-year-old is expected to sign the new deal in the coming days, which would tie his future to the club until 2030.