Arsenal ‘confident’ in agreeing deal for world-class defender | OneFootball

Arsenal Face Crucial William Saliba Contract Decision

Saliba’s Future Under Spotlight

Football Insider reports on 16 September that there is a delay in contract discussions between Saliba and Arsenal, a revelation that has sparked concern among Gunners supporters. This comes after the Frenchman received intense transfer interest with former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown exclusively telling Football Insider in July that Real Madrid are monitoring Arsenal’s Saliba.

Arsenal are eager to retain Saliba, who has become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s long-term vision. By the end of the 2025-26 campaign, the 24-year-old will have just one year left on his contract. That looming deadline has made the north London club anxious about his long-term commitment.

Real Madrid’s Shadow Over Negotiations

Football Insider revealed on 31 August that Liverpool are not concerned about Real Madrid target Ibrahima Konate despite missing out on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The report suggested that if Los Blancos turn their attention to Konate, Arsenal could have a clearer path to securing Saliba’s future.

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Brown added further weight to the speculation, exclusively telling Football Insider on 17 September that Real Madrid have been very public over their pursuit of William Saliba. Until the France international signs a new deal to push his asking price rocketing up, the Santiago Bernabeu cannot be ruled out as a future destination.

Arsenal Confidence in Securing Deal

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, it was explained: “Look, the interest from Real Madrid, PSG or whoever, that’s not going to go away because Saliba is a top player and one of the best centre-backs in European football.

“But I think Arsenal, they’re in talks over a long term improved contract to try and keep him and sort of say that they see him as a mainstay in the team going forward.

“I think there’s confidence within the Arsenal side that they can get a deal done to sort of extend his stay at the North London club and sort of end this ongoing speculation that he could be prised away.”

Trophy Hunt May Shape Decision

Real Madrid’s appeal remains undeniable, and another season without a major trophy could lead Saliba to reassess his future. Xabi Alonso’s side have already moved for Dean Huijsen to bolster their backline, but reports suggest the Spanish champions are still looking for defensive upgrades.

Saliba’s status as one of Europe’s elite defenders makes this contract saga one of the most significant in Arsenal’s modern era. The coming months could define the club’s defensive future.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Arsenal supporters will feel a mix of pride and anxiety over this news. Pride because Saliba’s world-class performances have earned such attention from Real Madrid, but anxiety because the clock is ticking on a new deal. Many will remember how contract sagas around Robin van Persie and Alexis Sánchez ended, and the fear of losing another superstar is real.

The club’s hierarchy have worked hard to build a competitive squad under Mikel Arteta, and keeping Saliba is arguably their biggest priority. If Real Madrid make a concrete offer, it could tempt the player, particularly if Arsenal fall short of silverware this season. Supporters will expect swift action from the board, not just to agree terms, but to show ambition that matches Saliba’s winning mentality.

Some fans may even look nervously at Liverpool’s situation with Ibrahima Konate, as his potential move to Madrid could end up being the domino that secures Saliba’s long-term stay. For now, Arsenal’s task is clear: get the contract signed, keep their defensive lynchpin, and send a message to Europe that they intend to compete at the very top for years to come.