Arsenal are confident that defender William Saliba will extend his current deal at the club, amidst strong interest from Real Madrid
The 24-year-old centre-back has once again surfaced as a potential summer target for Real Madrid, who have long held an interest in the player.
With Saliba’s current contract ending in the summer of 2027, leaving the Gunners now might be difficult. The Premier League side’s position on the matter is firm – he is not for sale.
Reports from England, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, suggest that the player is not considering leaving the Emirates this season.
On the other hand, Fichajes claims the Frenchman could be the subject of a swap bid including Arda Güler, Raúl Asencio, and €40 million (£35 million).
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been speaking to Saliba over a renewal by getting him to add two more years to his current deal. The management views him as an important member of the squad, and are not willing to see him leave.
Nonetheless, according to these reports, Real Madrid will have to admire Saliba from afar, with no indication that the Arsenal defender will be on the move this summer.
Based on the transfer business of the club, fans are over the moon at the moment as they have been getting their Arsenal tickets.
Arteta dismisses Madrid rumours, says Saliba content at Arsenal
When asked on Friday if he could dismiss the growing speculation linking Saliba with a move to Madrid, Mikel Arteta responded in May.: “I leave those kind of things more for [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to talk about.”
“What I’m certain, because I had a conversation with him, that he’s so happy here, that he wants to continue with us, and what will happen in the future.
“Obviously it’s our negotiations and things that have to take time and process and be on top of them, but I’m quite confident that William is very happy here and that’s the place that he wants to be.”
It is clear the Gunners want Saliba to stay, and it is expected that they will get him to sign an extension before the end of the season.
Gyokeres: I can’t wait to score in Arsenal colours
Arsenal announced the signing of Viktor Gyokeres over the weekend with the striker signing a five-year deal.
“I always want to score,” Gyokeres said in an interview after his unveiling. “To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can’t wait. It will be an amazing feeling.
“I started here [in England], it feels like a long time ago. I think I’ve improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team.
“It’s a big honour to play for your country, and then to score goals for them is amazing. When I played at Sporting, I scored a few goals in the Champions League so I feel that I can be on that level as well. Now to come here to a club on Arsenal’s level, I think it’s going to help me perform even better with all the amazing players in this team. I’m really excited to get going.”
On wanting to play for only Arsenal, the Swede said, “I just felt that it was the right club for me. What I heard from Mikel and Andrea when I was speaking with them, and just what I’ve seen in the past years, how they’ve been playing football. When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.
“That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It’s been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.”
Gyokeres, while at Sporting, came up against Arsenal’s defence in the Champions League last November, and he went on to say, “You were very solid defensively, it was hard to create chances. You were very good on set-pieces as well, and very effective in front of goal, you scored five goals. I think that the team was very good, both going forward and defensively as well. It was a tough game. “It’s going to be fun. I think there’s going to be some good training sessions hopefully, and it’s a great way to improve.”
The 27-year-old striker arrives from Sporting Lisbon, where he scored an incredible 97 goals in 102 appearances. Gyokeres helped his side win back-to-back Primeira Liga titles, a national cup, and was the league’s top scorer in both campaigns. At the international level for Sweden, he has 12 goals in his last 17 appearances.
Apart from Gyokeres, the Gunners, after a slow start in the transfer window, have kicked into top gear with the likes of Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke arriving at the Emirates. Meanwhile, Valencia and Spain Under-21 defender Cristhian Mosquera also recently arrived at the club.
Gunners’ management happy to have Gyokeres
Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: “We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyökeres to the club. Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward. His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision.
“We are confident Viktor will have a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!”
Manager Mikel Arteta added: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.
“Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.
“We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.”