Arsenal may struggle to hang on to the services of William Saliba in the long-term.
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba is a star on the rise.
Over the course of the last couple of seasons, Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and has made himself a regular starter at international level with France.
The fact that he has achieved this at just 23-years-old makes his ascent all the more remarkable. Mikel Arteta will be well aware that he has a potentially generational talent on his hands.
Saliba was recently shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, which shows that his quality is now widely recognised.
If he can continue to progress and impress at the rate he has in recent years, then the Gunners will soon find their resolve to keep him at the Emirates Stadium being tested.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on William Saliba
According to sources, speaking exclusively to Arsenal Insider, Saliba is on Real Madrid’s radar and a player that they have a very positive opinion of.
Arsenal accept that an approach from the La Liga giants could be very difficult for Saliba to turn down. To some extent, the Gunners just have to hope, should Real Madrid make a move for the defender next summer, that he decides he is not ready to move on from North London.
In the meantime, the best thing Arsenal can do to convince Saliba that his long-term future ought to be with them is win trophies. Arteta has promised fans that silverware is on its way, and he needs to honour that vow or some of his top players may otherwise look to seek success elsewhere.
Arsenal fans fear for Saliba future
Many Arsenal fans on X are concerned that Real Madrid could soon prise Saliba away.
One said: “As rumours of Real Madrid’s interest grow, the reality of the situation is Saliba will end up there eventually. The best players in the world always do – and he’s the best CB in the world. We just need to make sure we get 3-4 more years, a fair few trophies and £150m+ out of him.”
Another stated: “That’s very wrong mentality and culture of the club. Players who are the best of the best should stay in this club and become club legends. And maybe move on much later in their career. When they are in their late 30.”
One added: “We ain’t getting 3-4 more years out of him if we don’t win the league… The clock is ticking for our top players. We need to maximize every window while we have them here to try to win leagues.”
Another claimed: “The worry is if Madrid come and he gets his head turned , for people to stay we need to start winning trophies and quickly …that’s the probable reality to keep certain players.”
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