Report: Real Madrid and PSG keeping tabs on Arsenal Star | OneFootball

Arsenal Step Up Saliba Contract Talks Amid Real Madrid Interest

Arsenal are pushing hard to secure the long-term future of William Saliba, with CaughtOffside reporting that an improved contract extension has been tabled. The French centre-back’s current deal runs until 2027, but sporting director Andrea Berta is leading discussions to prevent Saliba entering the final year without clarity.

Real Madrid and PSG Keeping Close Watch

Sources claim that “these talks have accelerated in recent weeks” as Arsenal look to ward off serious interest from Europe’s elite. Real Madrid are monitoring the situation closely and are “seen to be waiting for the moment when his contract runs down, or when Arsenal feel pressured to sell.” There are suggestions that Los Blancos view 2026-2027 as the prime window to launch a bid.

PSG are also keeping tabs but a return to Ligue 1 is reported as unlikely in the short term. Arsenal have underlined their stance by saying “Saliba is not for sale” and are determined to offer terms that match his growing status.

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Saliba’s Importance to Arsenal’s Project

Saliba’s partnership with Gabriel Magalhães has been hailed as one of the strongest defensive pairings in world football, providing the platform for Mikel Arteta’s side to challenge at the highest level. The Frenchman, who “has played three Premier League games this season and is currently recovering from an ankle injury,” remains a cornerstone of Arsenal’s plans.

Avoiding Risk of 2027 Free Exit

The club are mindful of losing leverage as Saliba enters the latter stages of his deal. Failure to agree fresh terms could open the door for Madrid or others to negotiate lower fees or, worse, attempt a free transfer in 2027. “Real Madrid may try to sign him for free the same way they signed Trent Alexander-Arnold this year,” one source told CaughtOffside, a scenario Arsenal are eager to avoid.

Securing Saliba’s commitment would not just stabilise Arsenal’s defence but also send a message that the Gunners intend to keep their best players as they aim to end their long wait for a Premier League title.

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Arsenal fans will be excited by this update but will also demand urgency. Saliba is arguably the most important outfield player at the club right now, and losing him would be a devastating blow to Arteta’s project. The club’s decision to accelerate negotiations is exactly what supporters wanted to hear.

There is, however, a nervous undercurrent. Real Madrid rarely miss when targeting a player, and the fact they are prepared to wait until 2026 suggests they see Saliba as a long-term solution at centre-back. That should worry Arsenal. Fans will also be wary of the precedent set by Madrid’s swoop for Trent Alexander-Arnold, which demonstrated their ability to exploit contract uncertainty.

From a sporting perspective, keeping Saliba is about more than just defence, it is about leadership, mentality, and sustaining Arsenal’s title challenge. If Edu, Berta, and the board can tie him down to a deal that rewards his status, it will be one of the biggest wins of the season.