Arsenal Take Action After Real Madrid’s William Saliba Approach

In North London, alarms are ringing — quietly, but urgently. Arsenal have been tipped off about Real Madrid’s growing interest in one of their most prized assets: William Saliba. And while the Frenchman remains contracted until 2027, the Gunners aren’t taking any chances.

Real Madrid’s transfer radar has locked in on the 24-year-old centre-back, and as history shows, when Madrid want someone, they usually get them. But this time, Arsenal — and particularly their new sporting director Andrea Berta — are ready to fight back.

Real Madrid Eyeing Cut-Price Deal for Arsenal Defender Saliba

The whispers out of Spain are becoming harder to ignore. Real Madrid, always calculating and patient in the transfer market, have been making their usual behind-the-scenes moves — sounding out agents, floating hypothetical scenarios, and quietly gauging interest.

It’s classic Madrid. The same playbook they used for Kylian Mbappé and are reportedly using again to tempt Trent Alexander-Arnold away from Anfield. They know Saliba’s contract runs until 2027, but they’re playing the long game: either strike a discounted deal in 2026 or wait until 2027 and scoop him up for free.

For Madrid, it’s a smart move. For Arsenal, it’s a threat.

And one they’re taking seriously.

Andrea Berta Wary of Madrid’s Intentions

Enter Andrea Berta. The former Atletico Madrid sporting director, now pulling the strings in North London, knows this dance better than most. After more than a decade dealing with Madrid on the other side of the Spanish capital, Berta can recognize the warning signs.

Sources close to the club say Berta has moved quickly in recent days to re-engage with Saliba’s representatives. The aim? Simple: secure a contract extension that reflects the defender’s growing importance to the club and remove any doubt about his future.

He’s not waiting for 2026. He’s not even waiting for the January 2026 window when players in the final six months of their contracts can negotiate with foreign clubs. Berta wants this wrapped up now.

Why William Saliba Matters So Much

It’s easy to see why Arsenal are desperate to keep Saliba. Since returning from his loan spell in Marseille, he’s been a rock at the heart of the Gunners’ defense. Calm under pressure, intelligent with his positioning, and commanding in the air, the French international has arguably been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League over the past two seasons.

At just 24, Saliba still has his best years ahead of him — and it’s clear Madrid view him as the potential heir to someone like Éder Militão or David Alaba, whose time at the elite level may be limited by age or injury.

But for Arsenal, this is about more than just talent. Saliba represents the spine of a young, ambitious project that Mikel Arteta has carefully built. Losing him now — or even creating the perception that he might leave — could send tremors through a squad that is still maturing together.

Saliba Plays It Cool, But Fans Are Nervous

So far, Saliba has played the speculation down. He’s spoken warmly about life at Arsenal, about the faith Arteta has shown in him, and about his ambition to win trophies with the club. But football fans — especially Arsenal fans — have seen this story before.

Robin van Persie. Samir Nasri. Cesc Fàbregas. All key players. All left, eventually, in search of glory elsewhere.

That’s why, despite Saliba’s reassurances, many Arsenal supporters are uneasy. And rightly so.

Until the ink is dry on a new contract, nothing is guaranteed.

Arsenal’s Broader Contract Puzzle

The Saliba situation is just one part of a much larger puzzle that Berta will have to solve this summer. His arrival signals a new era behind the scenes at the Emirates, and with that comes a host of big decisions — and bigger negotiations.

Leandro Trossard, who’s become a valuable utility player in Arteta’s system, sees his contract run out in 2026. Talks are already underway to extend his stay.

But that’s not all.

Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli — both of whom play key roles in Arsenal’s lineup — are also approaching the final two years of their deals. And while Bukayo Saka recently renewed, it’s not unusual for top clubs like Madrid or Manchester City to keep sniffing around players of his caliber.

Even Gabriel Jesus, who has struggled with a serious knee injury, is a topic of internal debate. His contract also runs through 2027, but questions remain over his long-term role given his fitness issues and patchy form.

The Madrid Temptation Is Real

When Real Madrid come calling, it’s hard to say no. The allure of the Bernabéu, the legacy of legends, the chance to fight for Champions Leagues and La Liga titles every season — it’s a dream that very few players reject.

And Madrid know it. They rarely rush, rarely pay over the odds. They wait, they observe, and they strike at the perfect moment. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Luka Modrić, from Jude Bellingham to Aurélien Tchouaméni, it’s a model that works.

Saliba is just the latest in a long line of targets.

Arsenal’s Response: Swift, Decisive, Strategic

Credit where it’s due — Arsenal are learning. This isn’t the Arsenal of 2011, letting key players run down their contracts while fans nervously refresh Twitter.

Berta’s approach has been aggressive and proactive. Regular communication with Saliba’s team, competitive contract proposals, and most importantly, a clear sporting project built around him.

He’s not just being offered money — he’s being offered leadership, legacy, and a central role in a title-challenging side.

That could be enough to sway him.

The Clock Is Ticking

While 2027 might seem far away, in football terms it’s closer than you think. The groundwork for a 2026 departure would be laid now, this summer. A failure to secure a renewal could turn into a full-blown transfer saga by next year.

Arsenal can’t afford that distraction — not with so much else at stake.

For Berta, sealing Saliba’s future is more than just one contract. It’s a message. A message to rivals, to fans, and to other players in the squad: Arsenal are no longer a selling club. They’re here to compete — and to keep their stars.