Will William Saliba Leave Arsenal for Real Madrid?

William Saliba’s prominence in Arsenal colors has been meteoric. From an uncertain future under Mikel Arteta to becoming one of Europe’s most formidable defenders, the Frenchman now finds himself at the center of one of this summer’s biggest transfer sagas.

The question on every Arsenal and Real Madrid fan’s mind. Will he stay in North London or trade red for white under the Bernabéu lights? Since returning from his loan at Marseille, Saliba has been a revelation in the Premier League. His physicality, pace, composure on the ball, and elite defensive reading have drawn comparisons to legends like Raphael Varane and Rio Ferdinand.

A Defender in Demand

At just 24, Saliba is already Arsenal’s defensive lynchpin, a player around whom Mikel Arteta is building his entire backline. The Frenchman has partnered up with Gabriel and formed a formidable defensive pairing, with one complementing the other. 

But great talent attracts great interest, and it’s no surprise that Real Madrid are circling. With Carlo Ancelotti aiming to bolster a backline that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, particularly Eder Militao’s long-term absence and David Alaba’s aging legs, Los Blancos have identified Saliba as their dream signing. Reports from The Sun and AS claim Real Madrid have contacted Saliba’s representatives for weeks, preparing a move that could break the record for the most expensive defender in football history.

A €100 million+ bid isn’t out of the question. Florentino Pérez has never shied away from splashing the cash for generational talents. With Kylian Mbappé already in the squad, pairing France’s two finest young stars at club level is tantalizing.

Arsenal’s Unwillingness to Budge

Despite the interest, Arsenal remain defiant. For Arteta, Saliba is untouchable. When asked about the rumors earlier this month, Arteta dismissed them, reiterating that the club is building for the long term and that Saliba is “a pillar” of that future. The club only just signed him to a new four-year contract in 2023 after lengthy negotiations, and sources close to the North Londoners suggest another improved deal, with wages in the region of £250,000 a week, could be in the works to reflect his growing status.

This isn’t just a PR stance. The Gunners know what happened last season when Saliba was injured during the run-in: Their title challenge collapsed. On a side that’s still relatively young and developing, Saliba offers leadership and calmness at the back that few defenders in Europe can match. Letting him go now would send shockwaves through the dressing room and fanbase.

Saliba’s Own Words

Saliba himself is one of the key reasons Arsenal fans can breathe for now. In a recent interview, the Frenchman knew where his heart lies: “I’m really happy here. There is nothing else. I want to continue here and win trophies.” That might not sound like a lifetime commitment, but it’s far from a flirtation with Real Madrid. Saliba has repeatedly stated that he feels “at home” in London, enjoys working under Arteta, and wants to bring silverware back to the Emirates, something that’s eluded Arsenal for far too long in Europe and domestically.

Still, football is rarely static. Personal ambitions, club trajectories, and financial offers can shift loyalties quickly. The presence of Mbappé and the lure of the Santiago Bernabéu could be hard to resist if Real Madrid comes calling with the right offer,  both for the club and the player.

The Bigger Picture

Arsenal are on the cusp of building something for the longer term. With Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and Saliba forming the team’s core, the Gunners are not just regular Premier League contenders. They are Champions League contenders, as seen in their recent run to the semi-finals. There’s no doubt that they could do it again next season, but it’s the fifth consecutive season in a row Arsenal will go trophyless, and that might bring a shift in the ambitions of Saliba in the longer scheme of things.

On the other hand, Real Madrid are the apex predator of world football. When they target a player, it often ends in one direction. Just ask Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, or Eduardo Camavinga. A strong national connection is forming with their new French-dominated core, and Saliba would slot into that puzzle almost too perfectly. Judging from how this season has progressed, Madrid have failed to win a single trophy and have been humiliated by their rivals Barcelona in every Clásico they’ve faced. They’ll be gunning for world-class reinforcements next season. 

Final Thoughts

As of now, a transfer looks unlikely. Arsenal have no intention of selling, Saliba appears happy, and the club is on a clear upward trajectory. But football is fluid, and things can change quickly, especially if Real Madrid decides to go all in. One thing is sure: this saga is far from over. As the summer window progresses, expect more noise from Spain, more rebuttals from Arsenal, and perhaps some quiet behind-the-scenes maneuvering from Saliba’s camp. For now, the Gooners should enjoy watching one of Europe’s finest defenders in red and white, but be wary, Real Madrid doesn’t knock unless they believe the door will open eventually.