Arsenal reject Real Madrid offer for William Saliba

Carlo Garganese

• 19 Nov 2024 13:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign star defender William Saliba, according to Football Insider.

Madrid are long-term admirers of the France international and have been forced to accelerate their plans to sign Saliba after losing Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal to ACL injuries - in addition to David Alaba from last season.

The European champions have been fighting it out with PSG, who are reported by Fichajes to have lodged a €95 million bid of their own for Saliba.

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However, Football Insider reports that Arsenal have made it clear they will not sanction the sale of the Frenchman.

He is considered an indispensable member of the team and squad.

Saliba has been integral to Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta in recent years and is considered by many as the best defender in the Premier League.

He has formed arguably the strongest centre back partnership in England alongside Gabriel.

Saliba has just under three years remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners are expected to offer him a new deal in a bid to scare Real Madrid and PSG off.

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Saliba at Arsenal

The 23-year-old Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27 million.

After a series of loans, he established himself as a key player from the 2022-23 season as Arsenal twice finished runners-up in the Premier League.

He has made 95 appearances for the club, scoring five goals.

Saliba has also become a first-team starter for France this year, playing in their journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

He has won 26 caps for France and was also part of their squad for the 2022 World Cup where they reached the final.

Saliba impressed on Sunday as France won 3-1 at San Siro against Italy in the UEFA Nations League.