Arsenal shocked as Real Madrid 'change the game' with Saliba transfer

Suraj Radia

27 Mar 2025 18:15 GMT
3 min read

William Saliba, Real Madrid, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal could receive a major transfer boost this summer with Real Madrid having reportedly ‘changed their mind’ over a move for William Saliba.

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Saliba had previously been described as the ‘Jude Bellingham of defenders’ by some around Real who view the Arsenal star as the perfect long-term centre-back for their future.

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William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal

William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€59.6M - €99.4M

Such admiration for Saliba saw Arsenal anticipating an approach from Real in the future, particularly with the 24-year-old entering the last two years of his contract.

However, Real appear to have altered their stance over their summer plans on the whole with the emergence of a new target that has seemingly cooled any immediate interest in Saliba.

Real are among the sides keen on signing Dean Huijsen this summer and, according to Relevo, interest in the Bournemouth defender has ‘changed the game’.

The Spanish outlet claim that Real were not looking to sign a new centre-back this summer, seemingly holding out for an approach for Saliba in 2026, but Huijsen’s availability will see the La Liga giants accelerate plans for a defender this year.

Saliba ‘really happy’ at Arsenal despite contract hold up

News of Real’s adjustment will undoubtedly prove a welcome boost for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, who will likely focus on trying to tie Saliba down to a new contract in the coming months.

Saliba spoke earlier this month about his future, insisting he was happy and wanted to stay at Arsenal even if talks had not been held over a new deal as of yet.

“For me, I’m really happy here,” he said. “I’ve been here for two years and a half as well. There is nothing. I’m happy here and I want to continue here.

“I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.”

Asked if any contract talks had taken place yet, Saliba said: “Not yet. Because, yes, we have some years [to go]. So there is no rush at the minute. I’m happy here. That’s it.”

© IMAGO - Dean Huijsen is thought to be Real Madrid's top defensive target this summer.

Real, meanwhile, are believed to be frontrunners to sign Huijsen for his £50 million release clause, with the player keen on a return to Spain despite interest from Manchester United and Chelsea among other sides.