William Saliba Gives Huge Transfer Hint

William Saliba has never been one to talk too much in the media, but when he does, he tends to make it count. After weeks of speculation linking the Arsenal defender to Real Madrid, the Frenchman has finally spoken up, and the message he’s sent is exactly what Gunners fans would’ve been hoping to hear.

Following Arsenal’s 3-2 preseason win over Newcastle in Singapore, Saliba was stopped by AFTV, who asked him about the ongoing contract talks. His response was “Hopefully soon! God is great.” That was followed up with a confident declaration about the new season, “This year we will try to win everything.” For a club that’s trying to hold on to its most important players, that’s about as reassuring as it gets.

At the Heart Of Arsenal’s Backline

Saliba’s rise has been nothing short of exceptional. Standing at 6-foot-4, the French international is the definition of a modern center-back, quick on the turn, calm under pressure, strong, and more than comfortable on the ball. Since establishing himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta, he has become one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and arguably one of the most important players in the current Arsenal setup.

He’s made 134 appearances for the club so far and built a rock-solid partnership with Gabriel that’s at the core of Arsenal’s defensive success. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and it’s no surprise that the club is eager to reward Saliba with a new deal that matches his importance.

Despite already having a contract that runs until 2027, Arsenal are keen to get ahead of the curve and extend his stay further. With Real Madrid sniffing around, that urgency makes a great deal of sense.

Real Madrid is Watching Closely, But Arsenal Is In Control

Spanish giants Real Madrid don’t usually miss out on generational talents, and they’ve had Saliba on their radar for a while now. With uncertainty around the long-term futures of some of their defenders, Madrid is reportedly keeping tabs on Saliba as a potential option in the coming years, possibly in the summer of 2026 if no extension materialises.

This doesn’t feel like a typical transfer saga. Arsenal aren’t desperate to cash in, and Saliba himself doesn’t seem like he’s looking for a way out. Quite the opposite. His message to fans and reporters in Singapore didn’t sound like someone with one foot out the door; it sounded like someone committed to the project.

Inside the club, sources suggest Arsenal are already working on a new deal that would bring Saliba’s wages in line with top earners like Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz. Based on the tone of Saliba’s comments, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before pen meets paper. Arteta considers Saliba “untouchable”. That term has popped up more than once in Spanish media reports, and it reflects just how vital the 24-year-old is to Arsenal’s ambitions. Real Madrid may still be watching, but Arsenal aren’t blinking.

A Statement Beyond Contracts

If you step back from the transfer talk, there’s something bigger happening here. Arsenal are building something, and Saliba wants to be part of it. His quote, “This year we will try to win everything,” wasn’t just a throwaway line. It echoed the mindset of a team that’s been through the learning curve, pushed Manchester City to the brink, and is now ready to challenge across the board, in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups.

Saliba knows he’s important to that mission. He’s in his prime. He’s trusted by the manager, and he’s already playing alongside a core group that’s committed for the long haul. Players like Gabriel, who recently signed until 2029, and new names like Viktor Gyökeres and Zubimendi signal Arsenal’s ambition. 

Final Thoughts

If Saliba signs his new deal, it won’t just be a win on paper; it’ll be a message to Europe’s elite that Arsenal are done selling stars and are now intent on keeping them. Real Madrid might still be lurking, but with Saliba himself saying all the right things and the club ready to meet his expectations, this looks less like a transfer waiting to happen and more like a long-term story just getting started.