Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Real Madrid currently stare at a problem in central defence both in the short and long term.
Eder Militao’s injury is inclining the board towards looking for a new signing in the short term as they require a new player as early as January.
Concurrently, however, there is a pressing need for a new long-term centre-back given that Eder Militao is the only available option who can serve in the years to come. His repeated injuries, moreover, cast doubt even on his availability.
Los Blancos have thus been rumoured to be interested in Arsenal’s William Saliba in recent times as the French centre-back is one of the best youngsters in the business.
Arsenal’s plan to keep Saliba
As revealed by Fichajes, Arsenal see Saliba as a crucial component of their plans and are unwilling to let him go. His contract stands to expire in 2027 but they intend to keep him at the club for much longer.
The Gunners are thus planning to offer the defender a new contract renewal to secure his future in the long term and provide a blow to all interested parties, Real Madrid included.
Arsenal’s objective is to complete all the required formalities before the next summer transfer window so that the Merengues cannot claim any leverage over his future.
Moreover, they intend to send a strong message that he is committed to Mikel Arteta’s project.
So far this season, the 23-year-old has already recorded ten league starts for Arteta’s side and has overseen three clean sheets in that duration. Further, he averages over ten defensive actions and 2.2 ball recoveries per game.
If Arsenal manage to extend Saliba’s contract beyond 2027, it would virtually close any possibility of him joining Real Madrid. The Merengues, thus, must keep alternate options ready.
