Just in – Real Madrid key target agrees new contract with Premier League giants | OneFootball

It is no secret that Real Madrid have had their sights on William Saliba for some time now, and have been monitoring him as a potential target for next year.

After all, the Merengues intend to strengthen the centre-back roster again next year after roping in Dean Huijsen last summer.

However, recent reports had suggested that Real Madrid were worried Saliba would be signing a new contract at Arsenal despite their attempts to woo him with the help of Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid’s fears come true

As it so happens, Real Madrid’s fears have come true as William Saliba has now agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, confirms David Ornstein.

The 24-year-old French international’s contract stood to expire in 2027, meaning he would be entering the final year of his deal in the summer of 2026.

Set to continue at Arsenal for a long time. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

As such, Arsenal had been working on an extension since May, especially with Real Madrid lurking in the shadows to make a move for the centre-back next year.

Talks over a renewal have progressed since and finally an agreement has now been reached, with Saliba set to sign a new long-term contract with the Premier League giants imminently.

This comes as a big blow to Real Madrid’s plans of signing Saliba next summer as any move for the French international now looks extremely unlikely.

Instead, the Merengues are likely to turn their full focus towards Saliba’s compatriot Ibrahima Konate, whose contract renewal at Liverpool looks very difficult to pull off as things stand.