'No Way': Arsenal transfer stance confirmed as Liverpool join transfer race - round-up
Liverpool could target a talented Ligue 1 winger who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal have no intention of selling linchpin defender William Saliba to La Liga giants Real Madrid this summer, despite transfer rumours that are refusing to die out.
The Frenchman has cultivated a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most fearsome centre-backs thanks to his performances at the heart of the Gunners defence alongside Gabriel. Those efforts have not gone unnoticed on the continent.
The Galacticos are known to be in the market for a centre-back this summer as Xabi Alonso rebuilds his squad and Saliba had been touted as a potential marquee signing. Arsenal are expected to sign highly rated Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, with his arrival seeming to fuel the flames of rumours around a potential Saliba exit.
Arsenal stance on Real Madrid transfer reaffirmed
However, former Premier League scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Arsenal’s position on letting Saliba leave won’t have changed as they target silverware next season. He said: “It’s no secret Real Madrid have been looking at Saliba. We know they want to strengthen at the back, and they’ve never been afraid to wait if it means they can get a better deal with his contract running down.
“From Arsenal’s point of view, there’s no way they’ll be willing to let him go. I expect they’ll be doing everything in their power to deter that interest from Madrid.
“I’ve said it before, players often find it very difficult to turn down Real Madrid if an offer arrives. But Arsenal want Saliba to stay and be a crucial part of what Mikel Arteta is building there, because they want to win the Premier League and Champions League.
“If it’s a new contract, then they’ll be working on that, trying to tie him down. He’s too important for them to lose, whether it’s now or in a couple of years, he’s the type of player they’re going to keep building the team around.”
Liverpool enter Malick Fofana transfer race
Meanwhile, should Arsenal truly hold transfer interest in Lyon winger Malick Fofana, they may have to act sooner rather than later. CaughtOffside claim that Liverpool are now targeting the 20-year-old as a potential replacement for Luis Diaz.
Arne Slot has already added Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong to his squad at Anfield and the Reds are now expected to focus on departures. The Athletic reported last week that Bayern Munich had seen a £58.6 million bid for Diaz rejected by Liverpool. FC Barcelona are also said to be interested.
Liverpool are braced for further bids and have now reportedly joined the race to sign Fofana. The youngster has been linked with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Gunners. Lyon are said to want between €50 and €60 million for the player, with his former club KAA Gent set to pocket 20 per cent of any fee.
Liverpool are believed to have ‘held discussions’ with the player’s representatives but are yet to make a formal offer. Arsenal are known to be in the market for wingers this summer, with questions over the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Noni Madueke has already arrived in that position from Chelsea for £48.5 million.
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