Arsenal pushing to renew Real Madrid target’s contract | OneFootball

Real Madrid are focused on finding a new centre-back for next season, and a couple of options draw their interest.

Dean Huijsen is the top candidate given his age, release clause and high ceiling. However, the likes of William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate have also been mentioned as serious options.

In the case of the former, however, Arsenal have repeatedly shown serious resistance towards sanctioning a departure. Mikel Arteta, after all, sees him as a vital part of his plans and refuses to even remotely consider losing the player.

Renewal incoming

As relayed by AS in a recent report, Arsenal have now begun intensifying negotiations with Saliba over a contract renewal. His current deal runs until 2027 and the Gunners do not want to risk having him anywhere close to the end of his contract.

Arsenal do not want to lose Saliba. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The big factor, needless to say, is that they want to keep Saliba as far off from Real Madrid’s reach as they possibly can, especially given the Merengues’ record in luring big names away near the end of their deals.

As revealed yesterday, however, Real Madrid themselves are distancing from the Saliba option for financial reasons as they refuse to pay over €100 million for any player in the department.

A renewal would rule out any move on a free transfer in the coming years and thus close the door for Saliba’s arrival permanently.

So far this season, the Frenchman has made 33 Premier League appearances and has two goals to his name. He has overseen 12 clean sheets and averages over ten defensive actions per game.

With Saliba getting out of the market with a renewal, Real Madrid must shift their attention and lock in on a target. The coming summer window will be critical.