William Saliba CONFIRMS Real Madrid transfer plan

Cameron Smith

11 Mar 2025 18:00 GMT
3 min read

Arsenal defender William Saliba has confirmed that he plans to snub transfer interest from Real Madrid in order to continue his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

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The France international has been identified as Real Madrid’s priority centre-back target for the 2025 summer transfer window, but he is expected to reject the opportunity to join Carlo Ancelotti’s side later this year.

Ahead of Arsenal’s second-leg clash against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League round of 16, Saliba admitted his desire to remain with the Gunners and help them secure major silverware in the near future.

“I’m really happy here,” Saliba told reporters. “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’s current deal at Arsenal is due to expire in 2027 and although he is relaxed about his contractual situation, Mikel Arteta’s side are hoping to finalise extension terms this summer, according to TBR Football.

William Saliba unhappy with his form

Despite Real Madrid’s continued interest, Saliba believes that his form has been below par so far this season.

“I want to be one day the best defender in the world,” the Frenchman admitted. “I know I have to work a lot and to win trophies as well, but that’s my dream.

“I am not the best at the moment because, for me, this season I have not been so good. I have to review my season, I have to work on my game. But this season, I have not been so good. I have to watch especially my partner, Gabriel [Magalhães], who has been so, so good this season.

“There are a few [defenders better than me], but of course I have to focus on myself and work more.”

Saliba has made 38 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions so far this campaign, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €79.5 million - the third highest of any defender in world football.