In a dramatic twist in the summer transfer saga, Arsenal have received a major boost in their bid to retain star defender William Saliba, as Real Madrid shift their focus to Bournemouth’s rising talent Dean Huijsen. The Spanish giants, long rumored to be eyeing Saliba as a cornerstone for their defense, appear to have cooled their interest, opting instead for the 20-year-old Spanish center-back. This development has sparked jubilation among Arsenal fans, who view Saliba’s continued presence as vital to their Premier League title aspirations. “This is the outcome we dreamed of,” a club insider enthused, highlighting the relief at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta’s defensive lynchpin looks set to stay.
Saliba, 24, has emerged as one of Europe’s elite defenders, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães that propelled Arsenal to second place in the 2024-25 Premier League and a Champions League semi-final. His composure, physicality, and ability to play out from the back have drawn comparisons to Virgil van Dijk, but they also attracted attention from Real Madrid. With only two years left on his contract, signed in 2023, Saliba was reportedly a top target for Los Blancos, who valued him at €100 million. “Saliba is one of the best in the world,” Real’s incoming manager Xabi Alonso was quoted as saying, underscoring the Frenchman’s appeal. Rumors of a move intensified when reports surfaced that Saliba, a boyhood Real Madrid fan, saw the Bernabéu as his “ultimate dream” destination, especially with the chance to play alongside compatriot Kylian Mbappé.
However, Arsenal’s resolve to keep their star has been bolstered by Real Madrid’s pivot to Huijsen. The young Spaniard, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus in 2024 for €15.2 million, has taken the Premier League by storm, earning a €58 million release clause and a call-up to Spain’s senior national team. At 6-foot-4, Huijsen combines aerial dominance with slick ball-playing ability, making him a natural fit for Real’s needs, especially after injuries exposed vulnerabilities in their aging defense. “Huijsen is the epitome of the modern center-back,” an analyst noted, praising his high pressing and set-piece threat. Real’s advanced talks with Huijsen, driven by Alonso’s vision, have shifted their priorities, with sources indicating that signing both Huijsen and Saliba is unnecessary given their current roster, including Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio.
For Arsenal, this is a game-changer. The club has already opened contract talks with Saliba, aiming to make him their highest earner alongside Bukayo Saka, with a deal reportedly exceeding £300,000 per week. “We’re determined to keep our best players,” Arteta said, emphasizing the club’s ambition under sporting director Andrea Berta. Berta’s influence has been transformative, with Arsenal also pursuing Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams to bolster their attack. Retaining Saliba, who made 50 appearances across all competitions this season, allows Arteta to focus on offensive reinforcements rather than scrambling for a replacement. “Saliba staying is bigger than any signing,” a fan posted online, capturing the sentiment in North London.
Huijsen’s rise has not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United have also expressed interest, but his preference for Real Madrid has cleared the path for Arsenal’s dream outcome. “Huijsen to Real is a win-win,” another supporter remarked, noting that it not only secures Saliba but also prevents a Premier League rival from landing the talented defender. Huijsen’s journey—from a Juventus debut in 2023 to a loan at Roma under José Mourinho and now a breakout season at Bournemouth—has been meteoric, and his potential move to Madrid underscores his status as Europe’s top center-back under 21.
As the transfer window nears, Arsenal’s focus is clear: build around Saliba and Saka while adding firepower to challenge for the Premier League crown. Real Madrid’s pursuit of Huijsen has handed the Gunners a golden opportunity to lock in their defensive cornerstone, setting the stage for a thrilling 2025-26 campaign. With Saliba’s future looking secure, Arsenal are ready to dream big, and the Emirates is buzzing with optimism.