Real Madrid Set to Make £85M Move for Arsenal’s William Saliba

Saliba, a 23-year-old French international, has established himself as one of the world’s top centre-backs since breaking into Arsenal’s first team in the 2022/23 season. His commanding presence, ability to build play from the back, and physical dominance have made him a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense. The Gunners have relied heavily on his consistency, especially during their recent Premier League title challenges, making him a fan favorite in north London.

However, Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba is not new. Reports as early as February 2025, via ESPN, indicated that the Spanish giants had made the young defender their “absolute priority” to bolster their backline. With the summer transfer window approaching, it seems Real Madrid are ready to test Arsenal’s resolve with a substantial bid. The £85 million offer, while significant, has already been met with skepticism by some Arsenal fans on X, with one user, @BaristaGooner, calling it “disrespectful” and insisting Saliba is worth far more.

Arsenal, for their part, have shown no intention of letting their star defender go easily. Previous reports, such as one from Pain in the Arsenal in September 2024, suggested that it would take “crazy money”—potentially upwards of €120 million—for the club to even consider a sale. Saliba, who signed a contract extension with Arsenal in 2023, has also expressed contentment at the Emirates, further solidifying the club’s position.

The potential transfer has divided opinions. Some fans, like @TheWonderer777 on X, acknowledge the allure of Real Madrid, noting it would be “hard to turn down” for Saliba. Others, however, believe Arsenal will stand firm, with @AllroundArsenal stating, “We are not selling him.” As the summer window nears, all eyes will be on whether Real Madrid can pry Saliba away from Arsenal—or if the Gunners will hold on to their defensive linchpin.