Following one of Arsenal’s most memorable two-legged European victories, the club may now be on the verge of losing a key player to the very team they just convincingly eliminated.
Arsenal weren’t widely expected to overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, but their defensive performance proved doubters wrong. A commanding 3-0 win at the Emirates followed by a dramatic late goal at the Bernabeu underlined the Gunners’ strong form and ambition this season.
Despite their impressive run, reports suggest that Real Madrid—the team Arsenal just knocked out—have now reached an agreement to sign one of the Gunners’ top talents.
According to Spanish publication Defensa Central, via Football365, Real Madrid have identified Arsenal centre-back William Saliba as their primary transfer target.
While Arsenal are keen to retain Saliba, they’re reportedly open to negotiations should the French defender express a desire to move on. Since joining from Saint-Etienne in 2019 and spending loan spells back in France, Saliba has developed into a crucial figure at the Emirates, forming a solid defensive partnership with Gabriel that has helped Arsenal mount consistent Premier League title challenges.
Saliba’s performances against Real Madrid earned praise in the Spanish media, with La Marca hailing him as Arsenal’s standout defender—despite his slip that allowed Vinicius Junior to score at the Bernabeu.
With Saliba under contract until 2027, Real Madrid would likely need to submit a substantial bid. A potential player-plus-cash deal has also been speculated, though details remain uncertain.
As Arsenal remain laser-focused on a historic Champions League title push, time will tell whether the transfer rumors surrounding Saliba will impact his performance. However, history suggests that Real Madrid often succeed in landing their top targets.
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