In a significant boost for Arsenal fans, William Saliba is reportedly set to sign a new contract keeping him at the club beyond 2027.
The French centre-back’s commitment comes as Arsenal fend off strong interest from Real Madrid, who had been linked with a move for the defender throughout the summer.
Real Madrid’s Pursuit Hits a Roadblock
Saliba had been widely reported as Real Madrid’s top defensive target following a challenging season last year.
However, Arsenal were firm in their refusal to negotiate a sale, making a LaLiga switch increasingly unlikely.
The Frenchman, who recently returned from injury in the match against Manchester City, is now poised to officially put pen to paper on his new deal in the coming days, according to The Athletic.
Madrid May Shift Focus to Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate
With Saliba off the table, Real Madrid, now under Xabi Alonso’s management, could turn their attention to another Premier League star nearing the end of his contract: Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
The French centre-back’s five-year deal at Anfield is set to expire next summer, which would allow him to negotiate a free transfer in January, much like Trent Alexander-Arnold did last year.
Konate’s Potential Move Raises Concerns at Anfield
Konate has reportedly already turned down multiple contract offers from Liverpool, sparking concerns about a repeat of Alexander-Arnold’s controversial departure.
The Reds are eager to avoid a similar scenario, with club officials understood to be exploring options to secure a new deal.
A failure to reach an agreement could make Konate an appealing target for Real Madrid next summer.
What This Means for Arsenal and Liverpool
Saliba’s commitment is a clear win for Arsenal, solidifying their defensive line and sending a message to European rivals.
Meanwhile, Liverpool face a tricky balancing act with Konate, as the club aims to retain their talented defender amid growing interest from Spain.
More updates on both situations are expected in the coming weeks as transfer talks continue.