Arsenal star William Saliba has been on Real Madrid’s radar for a long time.
The Frenchman is one of the best centre-backs in world football, and he is good enough to play for any club on the planet.
The Galacticos are in desperate need of a new centre-half this summer, and it looks like Dean Huijsen is on his way to Real Madrid in the coming days.
Where does that leave Saliba, then? Fabrizio Romano has had his say.
Dean Huijsen has been a wanted man in recent months.
The talented Bournemouth defender has been linked with a move to several clubs, including Arsenal, but it looks like he is heading to Spain.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that a deal between Real Madrid and Bournemouth is done for Huijsen, and his camp have reached Spain to complete the formalities.
It feels like it’s only a matter of time before the Galacticos seal this deal.
Arsenal fans have been wondering if Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba is now dead after they’ve reached an agreement to sign Huijsen. Romano has answered that question.
He said in a video on his YouTube channel: "In the list of Real Madrid, the dream target has always been William Saliba."
"My information is that Real Madrid understood at the beginning of May that Saliba this summer was impossible to reach as a target because, for Arsenal, he is a crucial player and they are discussing a new contract with William Saliba."
"So Real Madrid’s position on Saliba is clear – they will sign Dean Huijsen now, but Saliba remains a dream target for them."
"Arsenal will have the ball in their court to close the agreement, keep Saliba at the club and extend his contract. Otherwise, if this contract won’t be extended, Real Madrid will be there."
Real Madrid’s interest is worrying, but the fact that they are pushing to sign Huijsen now gives Arsenal some much-needed time.
The Gunners should now sit down with Saliba’s representatives and sort out a new contract that will extend his stay at the club beyond the summer of 2027.
Real Madrid will still be around, but a long-term deal will put Arsenal in a much better position in potential transfer negotiations in the future.
TBR can confirm that Arsenal are confident that Saliba will sign a new contract, and that is amazing news ahead of the 2025/26 season.