As Arsenal stand on the cusp of a transformative summer, the specter of losing their defensive linchpin, William Saliba, to Real Madrid has sparked alarm within the club’s fanbase and beyond. Emmanuel Petit, a revered Arsenal legend and 1998 double-winner, has sounded a dire warning, predicting that the departure of the 24-year-old French centre-back could trigger a devastating exodus, with star players Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice potentially following suit. “I’ve been reading things about Arsenal selling William Saliba to Real Madrid. I’m thinking, ‘what the hell?’” Petit exclaimed, voicing his disbelief at the prospect of such a move. With the Gunners aiming to end Liverpool’s Premier League reign and chase Champions League glory, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Saliba, who has forged one of Europe’s most formidable defensive partnerships with Gabriel Magalhaes, has been the bedrock of Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta. His commanding presence, averaging 1.1 goals conceded per Premier League game when absent, has made him indispensable, with the team conceding just 29 goals this season. Real Madrid, reeling from a trophy-less campaign and injuries to David Alaba and Eder Militao, have identified Saliba as their top target, reportedly prepared to offer over £85 million to secure his signature. “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 argued, emphasizing the folly of dismantling Arsenal’s defensive spine to fund attacking reinforcements.
Petit’s fears extend beyond Saliba’s exit. He believes that losing such a pivotal figure could shake the confidence of Arsenal’s other stars, particularly Saka and Rice. Saka, the 23-year-old winger who has racked up 15 goals and 58 assists, and Rice, the £105 million midfielder hailed as the team’s standout this season, are seen as integral to Arsenal’s long-term vision. “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?’” Petit told talkSPORT, highlighting the potential ripple effect. The Gunners’ recent 5-1 Champions League quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid showcased their potential, but Petit warns that letting Saliba go could unravel the squad’s cohesion.
Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, faces a daunting task. Saliba’s contract, running until 2027, gives the club leverage, but his reported “special connection” with Real Madrid, coupled with a childhood friendship with Kylian Mbappe, fuels speculation. “I’m really happy here,” Saliba said in March, reaffirming his commitment, yet Petit cautions that the allure of the Bernabeu—where few players resist a call—could sway him. “The first step for Arsenal needs to be to keep their best players,” Petit insisted, urging Berta and Arteta to prioritize contract extensions for Saliba, Saka, and Gabriel, all of whom are entering the final two years of their deals.
The transfer rumor mill adds complexity. Reports suggest Arsenal might entertain a swap deal involving Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, a versatile midfielder Arteta covets, but Tchouameni’s reluctance to leave Madrid complicates matters. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi signals an aggressive recruitment drive, but Petit’s warning resonates: new signings mean little if the core is eroded. “What does it mean if you bring top strikers in and then you lose your top defenders?” he asked, a question that haunts Arsenal’s ambitions.
As the summer window looms, Arsenal stand at a crossroads. Saliba’s potential departure could destabilize a squad on the verge of greatness, with Saka and Rice watching closely. Petit’s impassioned plea underscores the need for unity and resolve. “William Saliba is enjoying his time at Arsenal so far,” he noted, but the shadow of Real Madrid looms large. With Arteta’s project teetering between triumph and turmoil, the Gunners must hold firm—or risk a collapse that could echo for years.