Real Madrid Pursuit of William Saliba Faces Setback as Arsenal Defender Remains Top Priority for 2025
Real Madrid Receives Bad News in Pursuit of William Saliba After Making Arsenal Defender Their ‘Top Priority for 2025’
Real Madrid’s search for defensive reinforcements has taken a serious hit with reports that their top target, William Saliba, is unlikely to leave Arsenal anytime soon. The French center-back, who has been exceptional for the Gunners since his return from loan, has caught the eye of Europe’s elite, and Los Blancos have made him a priority signing for the summer of 2025. However, recent developments indicate that their hopes of securing the 23-year-old defender are fading.
In this article, we explore why Real Madrid’s pursuit of William Saliba has encountered obstacles, how Arsenal are determined to hold onto their star, and the wider implications for both clubs. We will also look into how this affects Real Madrid’s long-term defensive plans and Arsenal’s strategy to remain competitive at the highest level.
1. William Saliba’s Rapid Rise at Arsenal
William Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 from Saint-Étienne as one of France’s brightest defensive talents. However, it wasn’t until the 2022-23 season that he fully established himself in the Arsenal first team, following multiple loan spells in Ligue 1. Under Mikel Arteta, Saliba has grown into one of the Premier League’s best defenders, displaying composure, intelligence, and physical prowess.
His defensive performances were key to Arsenal’s title challenge in the 2022-23 season, with many considering him the glue that held the backline together. Saliba’s ability to read the game, dominate aerial duels, and contribute to Arsenal’s build-up play has made him indispensable to Arteta’s plans.
2. Real Madrid’s Defensive Needs: Why Saliba Became a Top Priority
Real Madrid’s defensive unit has undergone significant changes in recent years. The departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane in 2021 left a void at the heart of the defense, which the club has sought to fill through various means, including the acquisition of David Alaba and Éder Militão. However, with Militão sidelined for an extended period due to injury and Alaba approaching the latter stages of his career, Madrid is looking to secure a long-term solution.
That’s where William Saliba fits into Carlo Ancelotti’s vision for the future. His combination of youth, experience, and elite defensive abilities made him the top priority for Madrid’s 2025 transfer plans. Madrid views Saliba as the ideal player to lead their backline for the next decade, continuing the club’s tradition of having world-class defenders.
3. Why Arsenal Is Determined to Keep Saliba
Arsenal’s ambitions have grown significantly under Mikel Arteta, and keeping hold of their key players is central to those plans. After returning to the Champions League and mounting a serious title challenge in the Premier League, Arsenal is focused on building a squad capable of sustaining success both domestically and in Europe.
William Saliba is at the heart of this vision. His defensive leadership, alongside players like Gabriel Magalhães and Oleksandr Zinchenko, has been pivotal in Arsenal’s resurgence. Letting Saliba go would not only weaken their defense but also send a negative signal to the rest of the squad and their fans.
Furthermore, Arsenal recently extended Saliba’s contract until 2027, giving them significant leverage in the transfer market. The new contract includes a substantial pay raise and a commitment to building around him as one of the cornerstones of the team.
4. The Bad News for Real Madrid: Arsenal’s Firm Stance
Real Madrid’s hopes of landing Saliba have been dampened by Arsenal’s firm stance. According to reports, Arsenal has made it clear that they have no intention of selling Saliba, even with Madrid’s interest and the lure of a significant transfer fee. Arsenal’s strong position in the Premier League and their clear pathway to success make it difficult for the defender to consider leaving at this stage of his career.
Additionally, Saliba’s own ambitions align with Arsenal’s project. The French international has expressed his happiness in London and his desire to win trophies with the Gunners. This combination of player contentment and Arsenal’s resolve to keep him has led to the “bad news” that Real Madrid may need to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.
5. How This Affects Real Madrid’s Defensive Strategy
Missing out on Saliba would represent a blow to Real Madrid’s long-term plans, but the club has alternative options. Real Madrid’s scouting network is vast, and there are other young defenders on their radar who could fit their system.
Madrid has shown an interest in players like Josko Gvardiol (now at Manchester City) and Antonio Silva from Benfica, although these players also come with high price tags. The club will need to be strategic in their approach, especially given their ambitions to strengthen in other areas, such as midfield and attack.
However, Saliba’s unique blend of experience at a top level, youth, and upside makes him a rare profile. Madrid’s challenge will be finding someone who offers a similar combination of qualities without overspending.
6. What This Means for Arsenal’s Future
For Arsenal, keeping Saliba would be a massive statement of intent. The club has struggled in previous years to keep its best players, with stars like Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, and Samir Nasri leaving when the team was in transition. However, under Arteta’s leadership and with their current upward trajectory, Arsenal now has the ability to resist the financial power of clubs like Real Madrid.
Retaining Saliba signals that Arsenal is no longer a selling club. It also reinforces their ability to challenge for titles and attract other world-class players. This will only strengthen their position in both the Premier League and the Champions League as they aim to re-establish themselves as one of Europe’s elite clubs.
7. The Player’s Perspective: William Saliba’s Role in the Saga
From Saliba’s point of view, staying at Arsenal represents both security and ambition. The 23-year-old is developing into one of the best defenders in the world and has a coach in Mikel Arteta who clearly trusts him. While the allure of Real Madrid is undeniable, especially for French players following in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema, Saliba’s immediate focus seems to be on helping Arsenal return to the top of English and European football.
Saliba’s new contract reflects his belief in Arsenal’s project, and the club’s fans have shown their appreciation for his performances. Unless there is a dramatic change in circumstances, it appears that Saliba will remain at Arsenal for the foreseeable future, much to Madrid’s disappointment.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s pursuit of William Saliba looks set to end in disappointment, with Arsenal standing firm in their desire to keep the French defender. While Madrid views Saliba as the ideal candidate to lead their backline for years to come, Arsenal’s project under Mikel Arteta and Saliba’s commitment to the club make a transfer highly unlikely.
For Real Madrid, this news forces them to explore other defensive targets, while Arsenal continues to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League and Champions League titles. Saliba’s future appears to be in London, where he will remain a key figure in Arsenal’s ongoing rise back to the pinnacle of European football.
