What Real Madrid are ‘discreetly’ planning to do with William Saliba after Arsenal eye contract extension

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Arsenal have a fight on their hands to keep hold of William Saliba.

The defender has established himself as one of the best defenders in world football in recent years, leading a Gunners back-line that has become impenetrable, alongside imperious centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes.

Saliba said that he wants to stay at Arsenal for the long term back in March, with the Gunners eager to secure the player to a new contract.

However, Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba is well-documented, and he’ll have just two years remaining on his current deal this summer.

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What Real Madrid are planning for William Saliba transfer

Saliba celebrated eccentrically during Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid, with this perhaps an indication of his commitment to the club.

However, the bright lights of the Bernabeu can attract any player, and there’s no doubting that he could be swayed by the prospect of plying his trade for the most successful club on the planet.

According to the Athletic, Saliba is very unlikely to join Real Madrid this summer, although Los Blancos have a plan to secure his services within the next two years.

His contract expires in 2027 and Arsenal are attempting to get him to renew his deal, meaning any offer from the Spanish giants would have to be unrealistically excessive for the Gunners to consider.

However, the La Liga outfit plan to ‘discretely’ stay close to the player, do groundwork to try and sign him in 2026 for an affordable amount or in 2027 on a free transfer.

This is Real Madrid’s general transfer strategy for big-name targets, with this ploy securing them Kylian Mbappe and about to secure them Trent Alexander-Arnold.

If Saliba doesn’t sign a new deal within the next six months, then Arsenal will no doubt start to worry that Madrid’s plan is in place and likely to come to fruition.

Dean Huijsen could be Arsenal’s William Saliba replacement

Arsenal will try their best to tie Saliba down to a new contract, but there’s no guarantee that his head hasn’t already been turned by Real Madrid’s interest.

Thus, it would be negligent not to be already lining up a long-term succession plan, and it appears the Gunners are doing so.

Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has been linked with Arsenal this week, with David Ornstein revealing that the North Londoners are one of a number of clubs interested in the Spaniard.

It’s possible that Mikel Arteta and the Emirates hierarchy view Huijsen as a potential replacement for Saliba.

The Cherries’ centre-back is similarly excellent in possession to the Frenchman, able to retain the ball in difficult situations whilst boasting an impressive range of passing.

Equally comfortable recovering in large spaces, Huijsen has all the attributes that make him a natural Saliba successor.