Fabrizio Romano confirms Real Madrid stance on Arsenal defender William Saliba

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba is the subject of admiration from La Liga giants Real Madrid as he continues to impress at the heart of the Gunners’ defence.

The Frenchman arrived at the Emirates Stadium in July 2019 for a reported £27 million, beating North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to recruit the player. Saliba was then loaned back to Saint-Etienne.

Further temporary stints at Nice and Marseille followed before Saliba made his Arsenal debut in August 2020. Since then, the defender has gone on to make 119 appearances for the club and is valued at £66 million by football database Transfermarkt.

Arsenal defender courted by Real Madrid

The 23-year-old has formed a head-turning partnership with Brazilian Gabriel at the heart of the Gunners’ defence. Speaking earlier this season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “We believed that Saliba and Gabriel could become really good… but their level now is something incredible, unbelievable. That togetherness and chemistry is unique and really good. I’m proud of Gabriel and Saliba, really”.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, that has caught the attention of Real Madrid. Writing for GiveMeSport, Romano answered questions over Saliba’s future but admitted that, despite the Spanish club being a fan of the defender, there has been no formal offer. Saliba is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2027, having signed a new deal in 2023.

Romano wrote: “Real Madrid like Saliba, but there's nothing more to say at the moment. No talks, no negotiations, he's a key player for Arsenal and nothing is really happening apart from appreciating one of the best defenders in the world.”

At the time of his new deal in 2023, Arteta said: “To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time. William proved last season just how good and how important he is to our squad.

"The ability he has at his young age of just 22 is exciting, and there is of course so much more room for development with any player at this stage of their career. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with William in the years to come.”

Saliba earns praise of Liverpool captain Van Dijk

Saliba has even earnt the admiration of his rivals. Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk, long considered the top flight’s best centre-back, had predicted big things for the Frenchman.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Van Dijk said: "Obviously, Saliba's making very good steps at the moment. He's the first one I just have in mind now. He's a solid one. I think in possession, he's doing a good job.

“Yeah, maybe [he reminds me of myself]. I think, if I'm honest, when I was that age, I was nowhere near where he was today. Obviously, that's the beauty of football as well."

In other news, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all be told of a £66 million release clause for a striking target.