Arsenal manager shuts the door on Real Madrid target’s departure – ‘This is the place he wants to be’ | OneFootball

Heading into the potential league-defining Clasico next week, Real Madrid are without Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao. The situation at centre-back, needless to say, is extremely dire.

Los Blancos have been suffering from a lack of resources in the department for a long time now and all signs to them reinforcing the position in the summer transfer window with one or two high-quality signings.

Several players have been linked with the vacancy at Real Madrid, but Arsenal’s William Saliba has been one of the most consistently named players on that front in the Spanish media.

Arteta’s refusal

As relayed in a recent report by Mundo Deportivo, Saliba continues to be a serious target for Real Madrid for he is seen as one of the best in the business in his position.

William Saliba is wanted by Real Madrid. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, however, is dead against any such transfer and does not even want to hear of Saliba’s departure.

After all, the French international is a key cog in his project which has now successfully made it to the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League.

“I’m convinced because I’ve have a good relationship him. He is very happy here and wants to continue with us. I’m sure he’s very happy here and that this is the place he wants to be,” Arteta said in a recent interview, shutting down any rumours of Saliba’s departure.

The 24-year-old’s current contract in London runs until June 2027 and Real Madrid will have to shell out a premium if they are to get anywhere close to Saliba’s signing. Given how Perez has been ruling out financially intensive operations in recent months, however, that looks unlikely.