Madrid Universal
·24 September 2024
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Yahoo sportsMadrid Universal
·24 September 2024
Having decided not to sign a new centre-back in the summer after missing out on Leny Yoro, Real Madrid have seen their lack of depth in the position get exposed once again.
As such, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe have decided that they will rope in a central defender next summer, with a number of players already being studied as possible targets.
One such player who is on the agenda at Real Madrid is William Saliba of Arsenal.
The French international has established himself as one of the topmost centre-backs in Europe and has admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, according to an exclusive report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have no plans of selling William Saliba to Real Madrid or any other club.
Arsenal see Saliba as an indispensable asset. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Gunners consider the French defensive ace non-transferable and will not deter from their stance irrespective of what offers arrive for him.
As per the report, Real Madrid would have been willing to offer Arsenal a player in exchange for Saliba, with the name of Rodrygo being mentioned as a potential makeweight.
However, regardless of the nature of the proposal and the player that may be offered, Arsenal simply have no interest in parting ways with Saliba.
In fact, the report further adds that Arsenal are now planning to offer Saliba a new contract so as to secure his long-term future at the club.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee’s current contract already runs until 2027. But the London club will try to open talks over a new deal for him in 2025.
Saliba, for his part, is understood to be committed to Arsenal’s project despite the interest from Real Madrid. As such, a summer departure might be out of the question.