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William Saliba provides major update on Arsenal future amid fresh Real Madrid transfer links

Arsenal v Newcastle: Pre-Season Friendly
Arsenal defender William Saliba has been linked with Real Madrid for some time (Picture: Getty)

William Saliba has distanced himself from rumours that he could be set to quit Arsenal for Real Madrid, revealing he hopes to sign a new contract ‘soon’.

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded defenders over the last two seasons with Arsenal and has twice been named in the PFA Team of the Year.

But Saliba’s future has been the subject of some speculation in recent months, with the centre-back attracting strong interest from La Liga giants Madrid.

Saliba has been in Madrid’s sights for well over a year and a recent report from Spanish outlet Cadena SER suggested the centre-half had been placed at the top of the club’s wishlist in what was being dubbed ‘Operation 2026’.

Though Arsenal’s valuation is seen as a potential ‘problem’, Los Blancos are said to be preparing formal talks with both the Gunners and the Frenchman’s camp in due course.

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However, Arsenal view Saliba as a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s side going forward and club bosses are actively working to tie the former Saint-Etienne man down with a new long-term contract as quickly as possible.

After starring in Arsenal’s pre-season win over Newcastle, Saliba was asked when he planned to sign an extension at Arsenal as he passed through the mixed zone – and his answer was unequivocal.

Saliba featured in Arsenal’s pre-season victory over Newcastle in Singapore (Picture: Getty)
The Gunners hope to tie Saliba down with a new deal (Picture: Getty)

‘Hopefully soon! God is great,’ he told AFTV.

‘This year we will try to win everything.’

Saliba’s current deal at the Emirates runs through to June 2027.

The Frenchman has two years remaining on his current contract (Picture: Getty)

Towards the end of last season, Arsenal head coach Arteta batted away questions over Saliba’s future, insisting the France international remained ‘very happy’ in north London.

Pressed on rumours linking Saliba with Madrid in early May, the Spaniard said: ‘I leave those kind of things more for [Arsenal sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to talk about.

‘What I’m certain about, because I had a conversation with him, that he’s so happy here, that he wants to continue with us, and what will happen in the future.

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‘Obviously, it’s our negotiations and things that have to take time and process and [we have to] be on top of them.

‘But I’m quite confident that William is very happy here and that’s the place that he wants to be.’

Just weeks earlier, Saliba stressed that he was only thinking about continuing his journey and winning ‘big things’ with the Gunners.

‘For me, I’m really happy here,’ Saliba said.

Madrid’s interest in Saliba is yet to materialise into an official offer (Picture: Getty)

‘I’ve been here for two years and a half as well. There is nothing. I’m happy here and I want to continue here.

‘I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.

‘I want to be one day the best defender in the world. I know I have to work a lot and to win trophies as well – but that’s my dream.

Arteta has been adamant that Saliba remains ‘very happy’ at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

‘I think I am not so far, but I am not the best at the moment because, for me, this season I have not been so good. I have to review my season, I have to work on my game.

‘But this season, I have not been so good. I have to watch especially my partner, Gabriel, who has been so, so good this season. There are a few [defenders better than me], but of course I have to focus on myself and work more.’

Saliba added: ‘My concentration [I need to improve], I have to score more and help my team more to win trophies.

‘When you win trophies, you can say you’re the best. We didn’t win and this season I have not helped my team a lot to win trophies but we are still in the Champions League, the Premier League is not finished.

‘So I have to push, to demand more of myself to help my team.’

Arsenal have brought in extra support and competition for Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the back this summer, with Cristhian Mosquera arriving from Valencia for an initial fee of £13million last week.

The 21-year-old became the Gunners’ fifth arrival of the transfer window, following Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi through the doors at the Emirates.

Viktor Gyokeres completed his move from Sporting two days later, putting months of speculation over the striker’s future to bed.

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