An Arsenal expert has explained why he thinks William Saliba will ‘go’ to Real Madrid or another European powerhouse despite signing a new long-term contract.
Saliba has shone alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in recent years, establishing himself as one of Europe’s best centre-backs.
The Arsenal star has been heavily linked with a move over the past year, with his previous contract set to expire in 2027 and his links with Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are known to be in the market for a centre-back, with Saliba being mooted as a long-term target.
So when the Gunners recently signed Saliba to a new contract until 2030, it was a statement from the Premier League giants.
Despite this, Saliba subsequently admitted that the idea of joining Real Madrid was “always tempting”.
“Of course, it’s always attractive when a club like that shows interest,” Saliba told Telefoot when asked about joining Real Madrid.
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But for me, before I thought about anything else, I wanted to stay at Arsenal and win trophies. ”
Nevertheless, Saliba shut down a reporter’s question about whether he could join former AS Bondi teammate Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid in 2026, replying: “No, no, no. The connection with Bondi is with the French national team for now.”
Now, Arsenal reporter Charles Watts believes Saliba’s future at Real Madrid is inevitable.
“I’m sure he’ll quit at some point, but I don’t think he’ll win a title this season and say, ‘That’s it, that’s it.’ He’ll say, ‘Let’s keep going, let’s make this a little dynasty,'” Watts said in an interview with Sports Mall.
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“He’s just signed a brand new contract for a long, long time. He’s been an Arsenal fan since he was a kid, but he doesn’t have that big emotional connection that other players have.”
“When a player like Real Madrid comes knocking, you want to experience that one day.”
Before Saliba signed a new contract, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano admitted that the centre-back was on the radar of Real Madrid.
“Many people ask me about Real Madrid, and there is no doubt that that list includes William Saliba. Consider Real Madrid, William Saliba. I always say this and maintain that defender Jude Bellingham is special for the present and the future,” Romano explained.
“But obviously Real Madrid can’t do anything at the moment because the ball is in Arsenal’s court. Arsenal are talking about a new contract. Arsenal are improving their offer for William Saliba and doing their best to keep the defender. We have to wait and see what happens.”
“Certainly, Real Madrid will keep an eye on the situation, because it’s very clear. Otherwise, either Saliba will extend his contact with Arsenal, or Real Madrid will be very careful about the situation. So, this is the story. But Arsenal have a match point. Arsenal are negotiating with Saliba and Arsenal have improved their offer, so they will follow it.”
