Arsenal are reportedly \u2018closing in\u2019 on a move which would put a blockade in front of Real Madrid for one of their superstars, which they hope will be done \u2018before the start\u2019 of the season.<\/p>\n
The Gunners have a squad full of some of the most talented footballers in the world. That\u2019s proven by the fact they have finished second in the Premier League in each of the past three seasons, and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season.<\/p>\n
They have largely managed to keep their star players together during Mikel Arteta\u2019s time at the club, while adding some new talent to the mix.<\/p>\n
But it has long been reported that Real Madrid are eager to snatch centre-back William Saliba<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 who\u2019s become one of the best in the world in his position.<\/p>\n Saliba is out of contract in 2027, and Real might well wait until then to get him on a free transfer \u2013 a tactic they use with a lot of players, doing so to sign Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold of late.<\/p>\n But Arsenal<\/strong><\/a> have been trying to extend Saliba\u2019s contract, and while there\u2019s not been much progress until now, FootballTransfers<\/a> have reported that they are \u2018closing in\u2019 on a new long-term deal with the Frenchman.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, they hope that contract will be signed \u2018before the start\u2019 of next season, which begins on August 15.<\/p>\n Indeed, there\u2019s said to be \u2018growing confidence\u2019 that Saliba will sign a new four-year deal at Arsenal. Though agent Djibril Niang is said to have contacted Real Madrid, negotiations are ongoing between him and the Gunners.<\/p>\n Arsenal are said to be \u2018prioritising\u2019 Saliba\u2019s extension as part of wider efforts to secure the long-term defensive core of the squad.<\/p>\n MORE ON ARSENAL FROM F365:<\/strong> Saliba\u2019s centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes penned a new deal in June, and the report suggests the \u2018decision to commit his future to the club was influenced by conversations with Saliba\u2019.<\/p>\n The Brazilian is said to have wanted clarity on Saliba\u2019s intentions before signing his own extension. That indeed points to the fact that the Frenchman will be renewing his deal with Arsenal.<\/p>\n As such, Real would have to either wait four years before they can land him on a free transfer, or attempt to lure him away with an offer to the Gunners, which would surely have to be of large value.<\/p>\n For Arsenal, though, the prospect of an imminent departure dissipating will be good news, especially after reports suggested Saliba was willing to take a pay cut in order to join Real.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc49\u00a0Rodrygo set to top terrible list of Real Madrid stars moving to the Premier League<\/a><\/strong>
\ud83d\udc49\u00a0Arsenal must \u2018learn from Sporting\u2019 over sales as \u00a335m Liverpool transfer laughably remains record deal<\/a><\/strong>
\ud83d\udc49\u00a0\u2018No talks\u2019 \u2013 Rodrygo path clear for Arsenal as Liverpool move for PL alternative \u2018inevitable\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n