Arsenal's £80 Million Demand for William Saliba from Real Madrid

William Saliba has emerged as a key figure in Arsenal’s defense, but his future at the Emirates Stadium is now in jeopardy. According to Sky Sports Switzerland, Real Madrid has identified Saliba as a ‘priority option’ in their quest to strengthen their defense for the upcoming season. The Spanish club is on the lookout for a center-back who can make an immediate impact, with Saliba at the top of their list.

What should concern Arsenal supporters is that discussions between Saliba’s representatives and Real Madrid have already begun. At just 23 years old, the French international has played a vital role in creating one of the Premier League's strongest defensive pairings alongside Gabriel Magalhães. Despite his importance in Mikel Arteta’s plans, Saliba seems to be enticed by the possibility of joining the prestigious Santiago Bernabéu.

Saliba Aspires to Team Up with Mbappé

A key factor influencing Saliba’s potential transfer is his bond with Kylian Mbappé. Both players are from Bondy, a suburb of Paris, and the idea of reuniting with his childhood friend at one of the world’s leading clubs reportedly appeals to him greatly. According to VVSoccer Switzerland, Saliba views Real Madrid as the pinnacle of his career aspirations, with the opportunity to play alongside Mbappé serving as a compelling incentive for him.

While Arsenal is unlikely to want to lose such a pivotal player, Saliba's personal ambitions may ultimately guide his decision. Real Madrid presents a combination of sporting prestige and lucrative financial offers, making them a strong contender for his signature.

Arsenal to Receive Record Fee if Saliba Transfers

If Saliba does move to Madrid, Arsenal is set to reap a record-breaking transfer fee. Sky Sports Switzerland indicates that the Gunners have priced their standout defender at £100 million. This amount would surpass the current record for the highest defensive transfer fee, which is Harry Maguire's £80 million move from Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019.

Real Madrid understands that acquiring Saliba will require a significant financial outlay. However, with Trent Alexander-Arnold—another prime target—potentially available for free, Los Blancos may be prepared to invest heavily to secure the French international. The report concludes,

Will Real succeed in persuading the Gunners? The answer will emerge this summer.

While Saliba's future steals the spotlight, Arsenal continues to be active in the transfer market. The club reportedly declined the opportunity to sign Marcus Rashford last month for two main reasons. Firstly, they did not consider Rashford a suitable long-term solution. Secondly, their domestic loan quota was already filled, which would have necessitated parting ways with either Neto (Bournemouth) or Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) to facilitate the transfer.