Arsenal stunned by shock William Saliba transfer update

Cameron Smith

5 Oct 2025 18:44 BST
4 min read

Real Madrid are reportedly still interested in signing Arsenal defender William Saliba, despite his recent contract extension at the Emirates Stadium.

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The France international has been Real Madrid’s priority centre-back target for several months and rumours in Spain suggest that Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is determined to bring Saliba to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Current ETV

William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal

William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€57.9M - €96.5M

However, speculation of a blockbuster transfer to the 15-time Champions League winners has died down in recent weeks after Saliba signed a new five-year deal at Arsenal in September.

Despite this, TBR Football claim that Real Madrid will continue to monitor the Frenchman’s development ahead of a possible future transfer.

Xabi Alonso’s side are expected to sign a new centre-back next summer, with Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate currently the most likely option, however they are reportedly set to keep tabs on Saliba in the event that a deal becomes possible at some point over the next few years.

William Saliba expected to stay at Arsenal

Although Real Madrid remain eager to land Saliba, the France defender appears unlikely to leave Arsenal following his recent contract extension.

In fact, after confirmation of his new long-term deal in north London, Saliba admitted: “I feel proud of myself because I first signed in 2019, and now in 2025, I'm still here to extend my contract. I'm so happy.

“I feel at home. We have a good team, we have a good squad, we have good staff. The coach is perfect for me, so it's the best place to be.

“I enjoy every day when I have the chance to wear this shirt. I try to give everything, and now I’ll give even more to this club and to the fans.”

Arsenal are now working on contract extensions for both Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber as Mikel Arteta’s side look to tie down their most important players on long-term deals.

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