Arsenal take action after Real Madrid's William Saliba approach | OneFootball

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is wary of Real Madrid's desire to sign centre-back William Saliba and has reportedly ramped up talks over a contract extension for the France international.

Saliba's contract expires in 2027 and Madrid are known to have set their sights on the 24-year-old, taking their usual transfer strategy by making behind-the-scenes contact in the hope of convincing Saliba to reject an extension and leave for Spain. A cut-price deal in 2026 or a free transfer in 2027 are both in Madrid's vision.

While Saliba has publicly played down the idea of leaving Arsenal, fans are well aware nothing is guaranteed until the centre-back has put pen to paper on a new contract. L'Equipe note that Berta recognises that as well.

Berta, familiar with Madrid's transfer strategy from his 12 years on the other side of the city with Atletico, fears the Spanish side are quietly working to convince Saliba to leave the club - an approach with brought Kylian Mbappe last summer and is expected to see Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold arrive this year - and has leapt into action.

In the past few days, Berta is understood to have spoken regularly with Saliba's representatives, attempting to counter Madrid's seduction and arrange a contract extension.

Berta intends to reach an agreement with Saliba as soon as possible, before Madrid can make any real progress in their bid to sign the defender.

Contract talks are likely to be a significant part of Berta's first summer as Arsenal's sporting director. The Italian also wants to keep versatile forward Leandro Trossard, whose deal expires in 2026, but there are plenty of other important players approaching the final two years of their contracts this summer.

Alongside Saliba, Arsenal must address the futures of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli. Striker Gabriel Jesus, who is sidelined with a serious knee injury, is also out of contract until 2027.