Arsenal are unfazed by the prospect of Real Madrid swooping for William Saliba and believe the Frenchman is set to stay at the club for the long haul.
Los Blancos are understood to have identified the player as a key target ahead of next summer’s transfer window when they intend to strengthen Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded backline.
But Saliba signed a bumper four-year contract in north London in 2023 and remains totally committed to the Gunners as they continue to challenge for silverware on all fronts under influential boss Mikel Arteta. The 23-year-old is considered untouchable and the Arsenal have zero interest in entertaining future transfer bids, should they arrive.
Additionally, Saliba is a self-confessed Gunners supporter, who first fell in love with the club as a child when he idolised iconic striker Thierry Henry, easing fears the lure of joining Real Madrid would promptly turn his head. Links with Paris Saint-Germain, who have long admired centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes, are also wide of the mark at this stage.
Real Madrid, however, are also keen admirers of Tottenham vice-captain Cristian Romero but Spurs have no interest in selling their 26-year-old World Cup winner. Romero still has over two-and-a-half years left on his current contract in north London which does not contain a release clause, contrary to reports in Argentina.
The Spanish giants are actively exploring the transfer market for both a central defender and right-back after recently losing Dani Carvajal to a long-term ACL injury that required surgery.
Spurs’ Pedro Porro is another player of interest but again, he remains a focal part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans and Daniel Levy is expected to drive a hard bargain, should Los Blancos come calling.
He said earlier this week: “It fills you with excitement, doesn’t it? You have to be focused on your work, but hey, the fact that Real Madrid is interested in you is because you are doing things well. This is how I think on a day-to-day basis. Well, if that time has to come, it will come. And if it doesn’t arrive, well, [I’ll] continue working as before.”