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Arteta confirms Real Madrid talks with Saliba – here’s what the Arsenal boss said
Robin Bairner
- 26 Sept 2025 13:55 BST
- 4 min read
News
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that he discussed rumours linking William Saliba to Real Madrid with the player.
The Bernabeu side have long been linked with a move for Saliba, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Los Blancos see the Frenchman as ‘the Jude Bellingham’ of central defenders.
In spite of this, Arsenal are close to agreeing a new long-term deal with the 24-year-old - something that FootballTransfers exclusively revealed was close back in July.
Current ETV
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€57.9M - €96.5M
Arteta dismissed the rumours as “noise” as he spoke to the media on Friday, revealing details of the conversation that he held with the defender.
“I was quite direct with him,” said Arteta. “When you hear that noise, you can understand people's expectations. People have feelings, they have been educated in their families, maybe dreaming about something one day. That's a really natural thing to have.
“I sat down with William and asked him that question. He said: ‘No I want to stay here and play for you, I'm very happy as always.’ That's great to hear.”
Arteta rejected claims that he was specifically talking about Real Madrid.
The Gunners boss said: “I don't want to be specific. But it was obvious with the amount of the noise around certain clubs.
“We don't have to name many teams, but there are not that many who can come and get Willy out from Arsenal and him being happy to discuss it. He was so transparent and honest.”
Arteta on new Saliba deal
Although Saliba’s new contract has not been announced, Arteta has suggested that it’s a matter of time.
“That's what I'm hoping. Let's leave the club to announce it when it's all done,” the Spaniard said.
“He's been instrumental with everything we've done in the last few years. It's great to see a lot of players willing and driving to come to the club. They feel happy, they feel valued and they see it's the best opportunity for them to fulfil their careers and the ambitions of the club.
“It's very impressive what he's done at his age, because sometimes we tend to forget that. His consistency, the way he's progressed, the way he's matured as well year after year. He's built a partnership with Gabi and the backline and the 'keeper that have given the best defensive record in the last three years.”
Saliba’s current deal expires in 2027, but Real Madrid are reportedly hopeful of prising him away in a cut-price deal next summer – something that seems a distant prospect given Arteta’s words.
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