David Ornstein Confirms Arsenal have ‘Opened Talks’ with Defender Amid Real Madrid Interest | OneFootball

William Saliba: Arsenal’s Defensive Linchpin Amid Real Madrid Interest

William Saliba has been nothing short of exceptional for Arsenal over the past few seasons, and according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the club are now looking to secure his long-term future. Talks have officially begun over a new contract for the 24-year-old French international, whose current deal runs until the summer of 2027.

While some may view the timing as overly cautious given his contract status, Arsenal’s urgency makes strategic sense. The presence of Real Madrid — 15-time European champions — circling around Saliba is enough to trigger alarms in North London. According to Ornstein, “Saliba’s existing terms run until the summer of 2027 and he is being targeted by Real Madrid,” a line that encapsulates the seriousness of the situation.

Importantly, while no formal offer has yet been made, discussions are underway, led by Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta. It reflects a proactive effort to protect the core of a team that has gone from hopefuls to serious contenders in the Premier League and Europe alike.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid’s Interest Adds Pressure

The gravity of Real Madrid’s attention is not lost on anyone. Ornstein reports that “the Spanish club are long-term admirers of the centre-back,” underlining the calibre of Saliba’s performances. Indeed, in a world where top-tier central defenders are increasingly rare, Saliba’s composure, athleticism, and positional intelligence make him a dream signing for any elite club.

It’s also telling that Saliba himself has remained balanced. In March, he stated that while talks hadn’t begun, there was “no rush”, adding that he was “happy and wanted to win trophies at Arsenal.” That sort of composed rhetoric speaks to a player with loyalty — but not blind faith.

Saliba’s Rise Mirrors Arsenal’s Rebirth

Saliba’s Arsenal journey has been anything but straightforward. Signed in 2019 from Saint-Étienne at just 18, he was sent on loan spells with Nice and Marseille before finally cementing his place in the Arsenal backline in the 2022–23 season. That patience has paid dividends.

Since becoming a regular, Saliba has made Arsenal’s defence one of the most formidable in Europe. This season alone, he’s made 49 appearances in all competitions and played a pivotal role in the Gunners having the “strongest defensive record in the English top-flight,” according to Ornstein.

Photo IMAGO

This transformation has coincided with Arsenal’s consistent Champions League qualification and their close brush with Premier League glory in 2023–24, when they finished just two points behind Manchester City. Few doubt that without Saliba, such achievements would have been far less likely.

Strategic Implications for Arsenal

Arsenal’s ambitions are clear: they are building for sustained success. Players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have already signed long-term deals, and Saliba is next on the priority list. The club understands that success is built not just on flashy signings, but on retaining proven, elite talent during their prime years.

As Ornstein puts it, “Saliba is known to be happy at Arsenal but will inevitably seek a deal reflecting his status as one of the leading players in his position across world football at the age of just 24.” If Arsenal want to keep pace with Europe’s elite, rewarding such players is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

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From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this news is equal parts reassurance and anxiety. The fact that Arsenal have started negotiations suggests that they’re serious about building on their momentum — and rightly so. William Saliba is not just a good defender; he’s a generational one. His calm on the ball, aerial strength, and ability to read the game make him indispensable.

However, the looming shadow of Real Madrid cannot be ignored. If they come knocking with an offer and the prestige of the Santiago Bernabéu, the decision becomes more complicated — especially if Arsenal fail to add silverware soon. But fans can take heart in Saliba’s own words about wanting to win trophies in North London. That shows commitment, not just to the club, but to the project.

Let’s be honest — if Arsenal are to finally leap over the line and win a Premier League or make a serious Champions League run, keeping Saliba is non-negotiable. This isn’t just a contract update — it’s a statement about ambition.