William Saliba to Real Madrid transfer latest: Arsenal record 'price tag' emerges amid 'dream club' claim

Arsenal may have to battle to keep hold of one of their best players during the summer transfer window. The Gunners have spent recent years strengthening their squad significantly to do so.

The club have thrown money at Mikel Arteta in a bid to end their more than two-decade long wait for a title, and while the money has been well spent for the most part, that title has not yet arrived. That could mean some of the more talented players decide to give up on Arsenal’s title dream to pursue success elsewhere, and there are reports there may be a decision to make for William Saliba. Here we round up the latest.

Real Madrid ‘interest’

Real Madrid are said to hold serious interest in signing Gunners defender Saliba, who has emerged a sone of the best defenders in world football over the las year. Los Bancos face losing Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba in the not too distant future, and Saliba could be their next lead centre-back.

Over the last few weeks, reports have been gathering steam, claiming Real Madrid are readying a serious bid during the summer window, and Sky Sports France have now reported the same.

Saliba’s ‘dream’ club

Saliba is under contract until 2027, which hands Arsenal much of the power in any negotiations. The only way that could change is if Saliba tells the club he wants out, and there could be some concern there.

It doesn’t seem like the centre-back would make that decision, but the concerning factor amid reports of interest from Real Madrid is that the Sky Sports France report claims Los Blancos are Saliba’s ‘dream’ club. That at least makes it a question mark.

Price tag

Saliba is one of Arsenal’s most important players, playing a key part in their defence, and in Arteta’s system overall. It’s no surprise that the Gunners would demand a huge fee to consider selling the Frenchman this summer.

According to a number of reports, the centre-back would command a fee of at least £83million (100 million euros), which would be a world-record fee for a defender. Josko Gvardiol joined Manchester City for £75.1million and holds the current record.

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