William Saliba's camp have responded positively after he was approached by Real Madrid.
The France international has established himself as a key part of Mikel Arteta's starting XI and as one of the Premier League's standout defenders since joining the side in 2022/23. Despite the Gunners' impressive consistency, Saliba is yet to earn silverware in north London, having twice narrowly missed out on the Premier League title.
Real Madrid have been continuously linked with the 23-year-old and have now made him their 'priority target' according to reports in Spain. Los Blancos are aware that they will have to break records to secure a deal for the defender, per sport.
Arsenal will have little intention of selling any of their star players, but the La Liga giants are said to have received 'positive responses' from Saliba's entourage. However, the centre-back recently admitted that he feels at home at the Emirates.
Saliba told the Mirror in December: “Yes of course, I feel at home. I signed for the club five years ago but it's only my third season and I'm enjoying everything: the players, the staff and the fans. I feel at home.” So at home of course, why not?”
Saliba feels particularly comfortable next to Gabriel Magalhaes. The pair have built a great reputation playing together. He added: “Since the day I first played with him, I have enjoyed every game. He is a huge, huge defender who is so good in every aspect. But if we want to be all-time great defenders, where everyone remembers us, we have to win some trophies.”
Real Madrid are keen to strengthen their backline and have also been linked with moves for Bayern Munich wing-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies. Liverpool have seen an approach from Carlo Ancelotti to their youth product, who is in the final six months of his contract, over the possibility of a January move. The Spanish giants were swiftly beaten back after an approach on Tuesday and Liverpool are not interested in sanctioning a transfer this month.
But now that the 26-year-old has been cleared to talk to foreign clubs, he is in the final months of his contract and could sign a pre-contract deal ahead of a free summer transfer, which will last unless Alexander-Arnold arrives. publicly announced a new Anfield deal.
Whether Madrid would move for both him and Saliba in the coming months is unknown. But Arsenal will be wary of any interest in their defensive mainstay, and especially if feelers are put out to his camp to gauge interest in a move to the Spanish capital.
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