Real Madrid is planning the squad for the next season, and Florentino Pérez is clear that it's necessary to strengthen a weakened defense. The defensive line has presented many problems this season, and a top-level signing is needed. He is clear about his objective, having identified William Saliba as the absolute priority for this position. Taking advantage of Arsenal's visit to Santiago Bernabéu for the Champions, he took the opportunity to ask... and he already has an answer.
Florentino Already Knows William Saliba's Availability
Speaking about William Saliba with Arsenal, the response has been clear for Real Madrid: "You have to wait until 2027". This is precisely the year his contract ends, although the Londoners intend to renew him. In this regard, they have been firm with Florentino: he has no clause and they are not open to negotiating his transfer, there is no option. This means that it is a signing that must be ruled out in the near future.
A possibility considered at Madrid, as confirmed by Madrid-Barcelona, would involve convincing William Saliba to wait and negotiate a low-price transfer with Arsenal. This wouldn't happen until next year, 2026, when he would be just one season away from ending his contract. Much of this will depend on the Frenchman, feeling happy at the English club and, for now, having no intention of forcing his departure.
William Saliba, A Rising Career
Born in 2001 in France, more specifically in Bondy, the same town as his friend Mbappé, Saliba's career has not stopped growing. The center-back was trained at Saint-Étienne and was signed by Arsenal in 2019 for 27 million pounds. Despite everything, he didn't settle in the elite until he had accumulated loan spells at Saint-Étienne, Nice, and Olympique Marseille.
William Saliba has become an essential piece for Arsenal, who don't even want to think about his departure. For many, he is the best center-back currently, and Florentino Pérez is keeping an eye on him. At Real Madrid, he is very much liked, and they want to use his friendship with Mbappé to try to convince him. At just 24 years old, he is predicted to have a brilliant present and future, and everything will be done to ensure that one day he plays at Santiago Bernabéu.