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Arsenal have initiated conversations with William Saliba amid interest from Real Madrid. A report in GOAL claims that the Gunners' Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, has already approached Saliba's representatives.
The French international has two years left on his contract. Arsenal want a contract renewal as they do not want him to leave for a lower price next year or for free in 2027. As per The Athletic (via GOAL), they have yet to offer him new terms, but are expecting proper progress in the coming months.
Real Madrid look at Saliba as a long-term solution to their defensive woes. However, Arsenal might use some strategies to convince the Frenchman to stay. Manager Mikel Arteta might prove useful in this regard. He can persuade Saliba to accept a contract extension.
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Teammates Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka can also speak to him about committing his future to the club, though a potential interest for Magalhaes from Saudi Arabia is a concern for Arsenal. Saka, meanwhile, is expected to pen an extension.
Apart from retaining Saliba, the Gunners are willing to add to their attacking third. They want a prolific goal-scorer up front and have identified Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres as their prime target, with Ipswich Town's Liam Delap as a backup.
They are expecting movement in central midfield as well, as Jorginho is on the verge of an exit. As per TEAMtalk, Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is the favorite to fill this void.
Arsenal exit from UEFA Champions League
Arsenal had a great chance to reach the UEFA Champions League final only for the second time in their history this season. The last time they made it to the final was in 2005-06 when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.
This season, they were one of the favorites to lift the continental trophy. However, a 3-1 aggregate loss to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UCL semifinals ended that dream.
The first leg ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Gunners on April 29. A goal from Ousmane Dembele in the fourth minute helped Luis Enrique's side sneak away with a win.
The second leg was held at Parc des Princes on May 7. Arteta's side were considered favorites in the fixture, considering their goal-scoring record in the 2024-25 UCL campaign (30 goals in 13 games before the second leg).
However, goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi in the 27th and 72nd minutes, respectively, dimmed their chances of qualification. Although Bukayo Saka brought one back in the 76th minute, it acted more as a consolation.
