Arsenal prepare William Saliba plan as Real Madrid step up transfer interest

William Saliba is set to be a wanted man this summer after being placed on Real Madrid's transfer wishlist, but Arsenal are desperate to keep hold of the centre back and want to start talks over an new deal

Arsenal are determined to fend off Real Madrid by opening contract talks with William Saliba. The Spanish giants are targeting a centre half this summer and have got the Gunners defender at the top of their wish list.

Incoming Real boss Xabi Alonso wants to strengthen his back four and France international Saliba is regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe. Arsenal are desperate to tie the 24-year-old down to a new, long term deal at the Emirates to ensure he stays at the club.

His current contract expires in 2027 and Arsenal realise the big window of opportunity comes this summer when he has two years left on his deal at the Emirates. Saliba is already one of Arsenal’s top earners after last signing a contract in 2023 but knows his value is very high.

Real Madrid are renowned for very public pursuits of players and there is a growing feeling that Saliba is on their radar as a stylish, composed and classy defender who is excellent on the ball.

Arsenal are confident that Saliba is happy at the Emirates and has no desire to leave this summer as he has developed into one of the best defenders around in the past three years.

Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint Etienne for £27m in 2019, was farmed out on loan but has grown under Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

However, there must be a concern that he has not won major trophies with Arsenal and the club must prove their ambition to keep their best players.

It is believed that contract talks are still at a very early stage but Arsenal are keen to get a deal done to keep one of their prized assets. Saliba is on around £190,000-a-week but knows he can command a big increase to make him one of Europe’s best-paid defenders.

Earlier this month boss Mikel Arteta said Saliba was "very happy" at the Emirates and said he was not concerned about reports of interest in the French defender.

"I leave those kind of things more for [Arsenal sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to talk about," he said when asked about the prospect of Real Madrid chasing him.

"What I’m certain, because I had a conversation with him, that he’s so happy here, that he wants to continue with us, and what will happen in the future. Obviously it’s our negotiations and things that have to take time and process and [we have to] be on top of them. But I’m quite confident that William is very happy here and that’s the place that he wants to be."