William Saliba’s future at Arsenal is uncertain, with Real Madrid, and now reportedly Manchester City, interested in signing him.
The Frenchman is enjoying another exceptional season for the Gunners, starting 27 of the Gunners’ 29 Premier League games.
This form has sparked interest from Real Madrid, who view the 24-year-old as their primary defensive target ahead of the summer.
Saliba has claimed that he’s happy at Arsenal, although he’s yet to put pen to paper on a new contract in N5, and the outside interest from potential suitors is beginning to hot up.
Arsenal fans react to William Saliba to Manchester City reports
Developing into one of Europe’s most accomplished defenders in recent years, Saliba was always likely to garner interest from other clubs.
Arsenal are looking to secure Saliba’s long-term future by tying him down to a new deal, but few developments have emerged on this front.
Instead, Defensa Central report that Manchester City hold an interest in the centre-back, and will attempt to hijack Real Madrid’s move for him.
A bizarre link on the surface, Arsenal fans were quick to take to social media to argue that Saliba won’t end up plying his trade at the Etihad.
One fan wrote on X, simply: “Saliba to Man City? It will never happen.”
Another added: “Saliba would rather go play for Saint-Etienne than play for Manchester City.”
Meanwhile, another supporter wrote: “Saliba will never go to another PL club, particularly Man City.”
One fan questioned why Man City think Saliba would be open to a move to the north-west, writing: “In what way do Man City think Saliba will join them over Madrid, after fighting against them for like three seasons?”
However, one Gunners supported had a different outlook on the rumours, writing: “Realistically, if we get £300m and Saliba prefers to, fine by me to City.”
How would William Saliba fit in at Manchester City?
Although it feels unlikely that Saliba would trade North London for Manchester, it’s not completely implausible.
The allure of playing under Pep Guardiola and leading the next iteration of City, as well as a significant wage package, may tempt the defender to the Etihad.
He wouldn’t be the first to make the jump and would be following in the footsteps of compatriots Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy.
City need to rebuild the centre of their defence, with the likes of John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji all 29 or older.
Saliba could lead a new-look back-line to multiple honours under Guardiola in the coming years.
Having said that, the Citizens have just splashed in excess of £60 million on Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov, making the acquisition of Saliba less likely.
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