As Arsenal navigate a pivotal 2025 season, sitting second in the Premier League and gearing up for a Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich, a seismic transfer rumor threatens to disrupt their carefully crafted project. Real Madrid, the 15-time European champions, have set their sights on Arsenal’s defensive linchpin, William Saliba, with persistent links that have intensified ahead of the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old French centre-back, widely regarded as one of the world’s elite defenders, is at the heart of a potential transfer saga that could have far-reaching consequences for the Gunners, particularly concerning their talismanic winger, Bukayo Saka. A former Arsenal star has issued a stark warning: letting Saliba go could trigger a domino effect, with Saka and other key players questioning their futures at the Emirates.
Saliba’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Since joining Arsenal from Saint-Étienne in 2019 for £27m, he has transformed into the backbone of Mikel Arteta’s defense, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães. His 2024-25 season stats are staggering: 14 clean sheets in 28 starts, a 92% pass completion rate, and 67% of duels won, making him a cornerstone of Arsenal’s title challenge. Real Madrid, facing injury concerns with David Alaba and Éder Militão, see Saliba as the ideal long-term successor to anchor their backline alongside Antonio Rüdiger. Posts on social media platforms have amplified the speculation, with some claiming Saliba “feels his time at Arsenal is coming to an end” as he seeks a new challenge in Spain, though such reports remain unverified.
The warning from Arsenal Invincible Emmanuel Petit, a 1998 World Cup winner, has sent shockwaves through the fanbase. “I’ve been reading things about Arsenal selling William Saliba to Real Madrid. I’m thinking, ‘what the hell?’” Petit said, expressing disbelief ‘at the prospect of losing Arsenal’s defensive rock.’ He argued that selling Saliba would be a catastrophic misstep, warning, “You want to bring in strikers, wingers, and then you sell your best defender? What’s the point? It’s a step back if you do that.” Petit’s gravest concern is the ripple effect on Arsenal’s squad, particularly on Saka and Declan Rice. “The first step for Arsenal needs to be to keep their best players. If you start selling your best players, starting from Saliba, there’s no way that players like Saka and Rice… they will think, ‘what the hell? What are we doing?’” he added, highlighting the risk of destabilizing the club’s core.
Saka, Arsenal’s homegrown star, has been instrumental in their resurgence, contributing 12 goals and 10 assists this season. His contract, extended until 2027, reflects his loyalty, but the departure of a teammate as pivotal as Saliba could sow doubts about the club’s ambition. Rice, signed for £105m in 2023, shares a similar long-term commitment, but both players have expressed a desire to win major trophies, a goal that hinges on retaining talents like Saliba. Arteta, who has overseen Arsenal’s transformation into title contenders, has prioritized squad stability, as evidenced by recent contract renewals for Saka, Saliba, and Gabriel. “We’re building something special here,” Arteta said earlier this season, emphasizing the importance of continuity.
Real Madrid’s interest is not new—Saliba has been on their radar since his breakout 2022-23 campaign—but their pursuit has gained urgency. The Spanish giants are reportedly prepared to test Arsenal’s resolve with a bid exceeding £80m, a sum that would test the Gunners’ financial discipline, especially with incoming sporting director Andrea Berta planning a busy transfer window targeting players like Benjamin Šeško. However, Saliba’s contract, also running until 2027, gives Arsenal leverage, and Arteta is unlikely to sanction a sale that could derail his project. Fans on social media are divided, with some urging the club to “lock Saliba down” and others fearing a repeat of past mistakes when stars like Robin van Persie left for rivals.
As Arsenal prepare for a defining stretch, including a crucial clash against Newcastle, the Saliba saga looms large. Losing him could unravel years of progress, not just defensively but in the hearts and minds of players like Saka, who embody the club’s future. Arteta’s challenge is clear: fend off Real Madrid’s advances and prove Arsenal are ready to compete with Europe’s elite, keeping their best players at the heart of the Emirates dream.