Real Madrid’s plans for William Saliba despite Arsenal contract extension, revealed

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TBR Football understands that Real Madrid will continue to track the progress of William Saliba for a potential transfer in the future, despite him recently signing a new contract at Arsenal.

The defender has been an integral part of the setup at Arsenal ever since he made his way into the senior team in 2022.

The Gunners had signed him at a much earlier point, but as a young centre-back, he needed time elsewhere to grow.

Upon returning from a few loan spells, Mikel Arteta gave him a chance, and William Saliba has been immovable ever since.

That has been reflected in his growing reputation at the club, which has been rewarded.

Saliba signed a new contract with Arsenal that will take him until 2030, batting away any concerns over a move, with his last one only going up until 2027.

While Real Madrid have shown interest in Saliba, the new deal quashes the possibility of a switch in the next year or two.

However, that won’t stop the Spanish giants from pursuing the Frenchman further down the line.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta suggests he’s been playing ‘magic’ star in the wrong position since he signed for Arsenal

Real Madrid to continue tracking William Saliba after new Arsenal contract

Real Madrid have become the masters of picking up a bargain on a free transfer.

With Florentino Perez at the helm, the club haven’t been afraid to convince stars to make the switch at the end of their contract.

Whether it’s Kylian Mbappe or Trent Alexander-Arnold’s controversial move to Real Madrid, there has been a track record there.

It’s something Arsenal fans were fearful of with Saliba, but his new contract dashes those hopes, at least for now.

On Real Madrid’s plans now, TBR Football’s transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, revealed: “Real Madrid knew what was happening. They were aware he [Saliba] was quite advanced with the [Arsenal contract] talks and they’d had contact with his people.

“They knew that with him tied down until 2027, they were out of options for now, so they’ll just keep him on the radar. Of course they will.

“Arsenal did a really good job persuading him to stay. Real Madrid will keep tabs on him, but they were never going to make a move in January.

“Ultimately, it was always up to Saliba – as we’ve seen with a lot of these deals. If he’d turned down the contract, then I think it would have been more relevant for Madrid come the summer.

“But Saliba’s made his decision, and that will have massive ramifications. Arsenal are hoping it has a knock-on effect with some of their other big players as well.”

With another key player now tied down, Arsenal have plenty of other stars who could be in line for a new contract.

• READ MORE: Alan Shearer lauds ‘brilliant’ Arsenal man who simply covers every blade of grass

Arsenal stars who could be owed a contract after William Saliba

Saliba joins Gabriel Magalhaes in being the latest Arsenal star to sign a new contract for the long-term future of the club.

There are further options that the Gunners need to focus on for renewals, however, to bolster the spine of the team.

Among those is Bukayo Saka, who is in the final two years of his contract at Arsenal, with some hope that he will renew.

Beyond him is Gabriel Martinelli, who has a deal that expires in 2027, but with the option of a further year.

Then, in 2028, some big stars are coming towards the end of their deals the club.

Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White, David Raya and Mikel Merino all have three years remaining.

Some may be more of a priority than others, but it will be next on the list for Andrea Berta to consider.