Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly made his intentions clear—he’s not backing down in his pursuit of an Arsenal star this January. According to reports, Madrid already has the player’s assurance and is determined to complete the signing, regardless of how Arsenal’s season unfolds. Alonso boldly stated that no one can turn down an offer from Real Madrid, hinting that the Spanish giants are fully prepared to go all out for the deal once the transfer window opens.
The player in question is none other than Arsenal’s defensive powerhouse, William Saliba. The French international has earned immense respect in North London, becoming a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s squad. His calm composure, tactical intelligence, and leadership at the back have made him one of the most valuable defenders in Europe. Despite his deep commitment to Arsenal, the allure of Real Madrid’s interest has not gone unnoticed by fans or pundits.
Saliba recently spoke with Téléfoot, where he acknowledged that hearing Madrid’s name attached to him was flattering. He admitted that the thought of playing for such an iconic club is “always tempting,” but emphasized that his current focus remains with Arsenal. His loyalty was rewarded earlier this season when Arsenal extended his contract through 2030, a clear sign of how crucial he is to the team’s future ambitions.
Before that contract renewal, reports had surfaced suggesting Madrid’s growing interest. Back in July, French media revealed that Los Blancos had made quiet advances to convince Saliba to switch sides. However, the move didn’t materialize as Madrid considered him too costly compared to young defender Dean Huijsen. Nevertheless, it was later reported that the Spanish club planned to revisit the deal by 2026, keeping the Frenchman firmly on their radar.
When Spanish outlet AS described Saliba as “irreplaceable for Arteta” shortly before his new deal, it was clear that Arsenal had no intention of letting him go. The defender himself seems aligned with that vision. In his interview, he explained that while Real Madrid’s approach was flattering, his priority is to achieve silverware with the Gunners first. “My desire was to stay at Arsenal—first win trophies, before thinking about anything else,” he said confidently.
That focus appears to be paying off, as Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League table, holding a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. Saliba has been instrumental in maintaining their defensive strength, anchoring a backline that’s become one of the toughest in England. His leadership on the pitch continues to reflect his maturity beyond his years, making him indispensable to Arteta’s plans.
Interestingly, Saliba shares a past connection with Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé—the two were part of the AS Bondy academy in their youth. When asked about possibly reuniting with Mbappé in Madrid next season, Saliba laughed off the idea. “No, no, the Bondy connection is with the French national team, for now,” he replied. His answer reaffirmed his loyalty to Arsenal—at least for the moment—but in football, as we all know, nothing stays still for long.
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