Arsenal central defender William Saliba has responded to Real Madrid after Los Blancos made contact with the Gunners star, according to a reliable source, as the north London club make a firm decision on his future.
Saliba is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and has long been linked with Madrid. Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano reported back in May that Saliba is Madrid’s dream target despite Los Blancos securing the services of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this summer.
Recent reports in Spain have been adamant that new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is still keen on signing another centre-back in the summer transfer window.
Raul Asencio was not particularly impressive at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Antonio Rudiger is 32, David Alaba has had injury issues, and Eder Militao is 27 and has had fitness issues of his own.
A report in Spain on July 25 reported that Madrid have sent a delegation to London and are in ‘talks’ with Arsenal and Saliba’s camp over a summer deal.
While Los Blancos have been focusing on trying to sign Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of next season, the Premier League champions have made the defender a new offer that he is now considering.
It has now emerged that Madrid have been turned down by Saliba, with journalist Sam Cohen revealing that Saliba’s camp has told the Spanish and European giants that he does not want to move this summer because of the 2026 World Cup finals.
Journalist Cohen wrote on X at 9:55am on July 26: “Arsenal continue to maintain the stance that they want William Saliba to renew his contract & are confident he will do so.
“Understand contact has taken place in recent weeks between Saliba’s camp and Real Madrid, but they were told that Saliba is content at Arsenal and does not want to move before the World Cup.”
