As the angst continues to grow surrounding the silence that is Arsenal’s January transfer periods, the future of one of the Gunners’ brightest talents has been thrown into question once again after Real Madrid has been linked with interest in Olympique de Marseille loanee William Saliba.
That report comes from Spanish outlet Sport and names the 20-year-old French U21 starlet as one of a trio of center-backs that the Spanish giants are interested in what would be a potential summer move. Chelsea’s Antonio Rüdiger, and Bayern Munich’s Niklas Süle being the other two.
Sport also mention Saliba’s long-time connection with French star Kylian Mbappé as a potential boon to Real Madrid’s chances of prizing him away from Arsenal in the summer, with the possibility of the two plying their trades together at the Santiago Bernabeu as a plus-point for the pair as they survey where their next port of calls will be.
Recent Saliba comments fuel future speculation
NICE, FRANCE – AUGUST 22: William Saliba of Marseille during the Ligue 1 match between OGC Nice (OGCN) and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at Allianz Riviera Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Nice, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
Interest from Real Madrid is likely the last thing Arsenal – or its fans – would have wanted when it comes to the future of one of the most highly-touted young center-backs in Europe across the last two seasons, but Saliba’s own recent comments failed to discount a future away from the Emirates.
When speaking with RMC, Saliba stated “I am happy in Marseille, I like the city, the club, and the supporters. Anything can happen in football. I remain focused on the end of the season and we will see after. But of course, there will be discussions about my future.”
While remaining focused on the task at hand at the Orange Vélodrome is logical as OM currently sit third in Ligue 1 and with a considerable chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season, ‘anything can happen in football’ is likely not what many of the Gunners faithful will have wanted to read.
