Real Madrid make William Saliba transfer decision as Arsenal handed warning

Real Madrid will NOT make a move for William Saliba this summer.

The Spanish giants have long been linked with a move for the defender following his standout performances for Arsenal. They have struggled at centre-back this season with long-term injuries suffered by Eder Militao and David Alaba.

And while Real Madrid haven’t ditched their interest in Saliba entirely, they are not expected to move for him this summer. According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the club will be quiet when it comes to the transfer market. The only arrival is expected to be the free signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, who looks set to leave Anfield at the end of his contract.

It is suggested that Real are content with the returns of Militao and Alaba, as well as Antonio Rudiger. Raul Asencio has also been an impressive performer this term since stepping into the first-team, shining in both La Liga and the Champions League.

Jacobo Ramón and Joan Martínez also add to their central defensive options, easing the need for additions in that area. But Madrid will be keeping a watching brief on Saliba, particularly if he doesn't get tied down to a new deal at the Emirates in the near future.

Nevertheless, ex-Arsenal star Ian Wright is still concerned over Saliba's future. He has suggested that the Gunners must match Saliba’s ambition in the transfer market or risk him quitting the club.

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, he said: "If they’re not going to get the kind of players that take us to the next step… look at Saliba.

“Real Madrid would take him tomorrow. Why not wait and see what’s going on in the summer to see the kind of players and calibre of player we’re signing?

"This is what the people upstairs need to be careful of and I’m sure Mikel will have told them that because he’s probably got the same kind of ambition: if you’re not going to give me the kind of players I need, I’m not going to be able to keep the players I’ve got here.

"We haven’t even got into that conversation yet about these players. This summer and who comes is f***ing vitally important to these players. There’s a lot going on right now that needs to be unpacked by these people upstairs and they better get it right. They better get it right."

Saliba joined Arsenal from French side Saint-Etienne in 2019, albeit he stayed with the club on loan. The defender then had a further two loan spells in his homeland with Nice and Marseille ahead of his breakthrough in 2022.

Saliba has since made 119 appearances for Arsenal, forging an impressive defensive partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. Both centre-backs see their contracts expire in the summer of 2027.