Arsenal transfer news: William Saliba issues contract update amid Real Madrid links to Mikel Arteta’s prized defender

Arsenal defender William Saliba has claimed that he hopes to sign an extension with the club sooner rather than later amid links to Real Madrid.

The Gunners managed to beat Newcastle United 3-2 in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, and boss Mikel Arteta will hope that his side’s preparation for 2025-26 will yield silverware at the end of the campaign.

Arsenal have not won a major trophy since 2020 and have finished second for three consecutive seasons in the Premier League, and there are concers that the club could lose their star players unless they end their drought.

Centre-back Saliba’s contract runs until 2027, and Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in his signature should he continue to run down his deal.

However, the Frenchman spoke to AFTV and provided a positive update about his contract when asked when he will sign an extension, saying: “Hopefully soon! God is great. This year we will try to win everything.”

Real Madrid were able to pry Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool after the right-back ran down his Reds deal, but keeping Saliba would be a significant boost to Arteta.

How important is Saliba to Arsenal’s Premier League hopes next season?

Saliba has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest defenders, with comparisons reguarly made to Virgil van Dijk.

The 24-year-old won 66% of his ground duels in the 2024-25, a figure that exceeded Van Dijk’s figure (62%).

It is important to highlight that he is also exceptional with the ball at his feet, with only two players having attempted more than his 2,547 passes in the top flight last season.

There are few partnerships more resilient than when he plays alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, and the duo will be key to Arsenal’s title challenge in 2025-26.

Is Arteta facing a potential contract crisis?

Supporters will naturally worry about Saliba’s contract situation until the club officially confirm his extension, but they arguably should be concerned about other stars.

Talisman Bukayo Saka‘s deal also expires in 2027, and while is a boyhood Gunners fan, club allegiance did not stop Alexander-Arnold switching from Liverpool to Real Madrid.

Arteta has faced criticism for failing to bring silverware to the Emirates in the past seasons, and there are fears that he may not be able to maximise the talent within his squad.

If Arsenal once again fall short in terms of trophies in 2025-26, it would not be surprising if the club’s stars began looking at their futures.