Arsenal to ‘step up’ contract talks with defender amid Real Madrid interest | OneFootball

Andrea Berta Acts Swiftly to Secure William Saliba’s Arsenal Future Amid Real Madrid Threat

Real Madrid’s Saliba Strategy Sparks Arsenal Action

Arsenal have moved decisively to protect one of their most valuable assets as Real Madrid ramp up their interest in William Saliba. According to Get Football News France, citing L’Équipe, Saliba has been in dialogue with Los Blancos for several weeks, prompting Andrea Berta to step in.

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Berta, now working as Arsenal’s sporting director after his time with Atlético Madrid, is all too familiar with the transfer tactics of Madrid. He believes the Spanish giants are trying to “plant the seed” in Saliba’s mind to secure a future move—either at a cut-price in 2026 when his contract enters its final year, or on a free in 2027.

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With parallels drawn to Kylian Mbappé’s recent Bosman switch to the Bernabéu, and reports that Trent Alexander-Arnold may follow a similar path, Arsenal are determined not to repeat that mistake.

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Arsenal’s Proactive Contract Talks

Recognising the risk, Berta initiated contract talks with Saliba several weeks ago. Those discussions have intensified in recent days, suggesting a firm intention to tie down the France international long before the situation spirals.

“Saliba is central to everything Mikel Arteta is building,” a source close to the club reportedly stated. “Arsenal can’t afford to lose him.”

Photo: IMAGO

Madrid’s Long Game Mirrors Mbappé Model

Madrid’s interest aligns with their recent strategy of exploiting expiring contracts. Their pursuit of Saliba appears to follow the same script, testing Arsenal’s resolve and contract discipline.

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For Arsenal fans, this report will be music to their ears. William Saliba has rapidly become the cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s defensive structure, blending technical class with a calming presence that belies his age. Any suggestion that Real Madrid are circling would naturally raise concern, but the most encouraging element here is Arsenal’s swift and strategic response.

Andrea Berta’s awareness of Madrid’s tactics—gained from his spell in La Liga—could prove vital. Initiating extension talks early sends a powerful signal: Arsenal are no longer a selling club. The fact that these discussions are described as “ramping up” is evidence that the club are treating this with urgency and seriousness.

Supporters should also feel reassured by the cultural shift at the Emirates. Gone are the days of dithering over contract extensions and losing stars for free. The board appears unified behind Arteta’s vision, and locking down a player of Saliba’s calibre is central to that future.

If anything, Madrid’s interest only underlines how far Saliba has come. Now, Arsenal must go one step further and get the deal done—because elite defenders of this mould are not easily replaced.