Arsenal prepare HUGE Saliba deal amid Real Madrid rumours

Cameron Smith

3 Mar 2025 04:15 CST
3 min read

William Saliba, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Arsenal have reportedly prepared a contract extension offer for William Saliba as they look to fend off significant transfer interest from Real Madrid.

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The France international has been heavily linked with a move to Los Blancos over the past year, but Arsenal are determined to tie him down to a new deal and end speculation of a big-money exit.

Saliba has just over two years remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and Mikel Arteta’s side are set to offer him a weekly wage of €300,000 (£250,000) in order to convince him to snub interest from Real Madrid.

That is according to TBR Football, who claim that Arsenal are “confident” of reaching an agreement to extend Saliba’s spell at the club.

The Gunners have already prepared their contract offer, although they aren’t set to enter into negotiations for several months, with the club aiming to complete a deal ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Saliba has made 119 first-team appearances for Arsenal since his move from St Etienne, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at a career high of €79.5 million.

Real Madrid want William Saliba

Despite Arsenal’s desire to tie Saliba down to a long-term contract, Real Madrid are still eager to complete a deal for the Frenchman as they look to revamp their defensive line.

Saliba is currently their priority centre-back target for the upcoming summer transfer window, although Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been tipped to pursue a transfer in 2026 or 2027 if the Arsenal star decides against signing a new deal in north London.

In addition to Saliba, Real Madrid are also hoping to finalise a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, with the England international due to become a free agent when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of June.