Arsenal Star Reportedly Open to New Project Amid Link to PSG, Real Madrid

Arsenal are moving quickly to secure William Saliba, who has become a key figure in their defense. The Gunners have offered the French center-back an improved contract extension to fend off interest from Europe’s top clubs.

CaughtOffside recently reported that Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Saliba’s situation, seemingly waiting for either his contract to expire or for Arsenal to face pressure to sell.

According to the report, Madrid could see the 2026‑2027 season as an ideal moment to make a serious move. Meanwhile, PSG are also monitoring Saliba, though a return to Ligue 1 doesn’t appear likely anytime soon.

Real Madrid Want PSG-Linked Defender

Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

El Desmarque reports that Real Madrid are prepared to enter talks with Arsenal to sign William Saliba. The defender is reportedly “open to a new project” and carries a price tag of €80 million.

Nonetheless, Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke recently reported that Arsenal are drawing up a Saliba plan to overcome their slow contract talks and keep him long-term.

“Look, the interest from Real Madrid, PSG or whoever, that’s not going to go away because Saliba is a top player and one of the best centre-backs in European football,” O’Rourke said.

“But I think Arsenal, they’re in talks over a long-term improved contract to try and keep him and sort of say that they see him as a mainstay in the team going forward.

“I think there’s confidence within the Arsenal side that they can get a deal done to sort of extend his stay at the North London club and sort of end this ongoing speculation that he could be prised away.”