Romano CONFIRMS Arsenal plan for 'the Bellingham of defenders'

Cameron Smith

17 Mar 2025 10:45 GMT
3 min read

Arsenal are ready to offer William Saliba an “important contract” in order to ward off interest from Real Madrid this summer.

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The France defender has just over two years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium and Mikel Arteta’s side are determined to tie him down to fresh terms in order to end speculation of a big-money exit.

Incoming sporting director Andrea Berta will be tasked with finalising a contract extension with Saliba’s camp, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are set to offer the 23-year-old an “important contract” very soon.

Romano also revealed that Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba is genuine, with Los Blancos reportedly viewing the Frenchman as “the [Jude] Bellingham of defenders.”

The Spanish giants are monitoring his situation at Arsenal, although they are yet to submit a formal offer or engage in concrete talks to sign him.

As a result, Saliba is expected to remain at Arsenal until at least 2026, with a move to Real Madrid currently unlikely, despite their eagerness to sign a new centre-back during the upcoming summer window.

William Saliba responds to Real Madrid interest

Despite significant interest from Real Madrid, Saliba has admitted his desire to remain with the Gunners rather than push for a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I’m really happy here,” Saliba told reporters ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven. “Because we have some years [remaining on his contract] there is no rush at the minute.

“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.”

Saliba has made 39 appearances across all competitions so far this season and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €79.5 million.