Arsenal star William Saliba has agreed a new deal keeping him at the club beyond the end of his current contract in 2027.
It comes amid the Gunners’ attempts to fend off interest from Real Madrid, who have been strongly linked with a move for the Frenchman in recent months.
Saliba was thought to be the European giants’ number one priority this summer amid a disappointing campaign last term, but Arsenal were unwilling to negotiate a sale.
A move to LaLiga next summer now looks impossible with Saliba committing his future to Arsenal.
He’s set to put pen to paper on a new deal in the coming days, Daily Mail Sport understands, after returning from injury against Man City on the weekend.
The news could now see Madrid, managed by Xabi Alonso, turn their attention to another Premier League star nearing the end of his contact.
Arsenal defender William Saliba is reportedly set to sign a new deal at the club in the coming days
Despite interest from Real Madrid, the Frenchman remains a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s plans
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate has been the subject of interest from Los Blances, who are believed to be keen on taking him to the Bernabau next summer.
The Frenchman is nearing the end of his current five-year deal at Anfield, meaning he will be free to negotiate a free transfer in January – just as Trent Alexander-Arnold did a year ago.
The homegrown talent’s move away from Liverpool resulted in a bitter end to his career on Merseyside with his own fans booing him at Anfield.
It’s a situation the Reds are trying to avoid this time around with club officials understood to be interested in negotiating a new deal for Konate.
He is however believed to have already turned down a number of contract offers from the club amid interest from Madrid.
While a move to the 15-time European champions is routinely billed as a dream for players, Alexander-Arnold’s switch to the Spanish capital has been far from idyllic so far.
After an underwhelming debut, the Englishman was left on the bench for two of the next three games by Alonso.
He was then excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for their World Cup Qualifiers earlier this month after failing to dislodge Los Blancos veteran Dani Carvajal.
Madrid may now turn their attention to Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate
A move to Los Blancos would see the Frenchman follow in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold was eventually afforded a start at Madrid in their Champions League clash against Marseille last week, but was forced off after just a few minutes with a hamstring injury.
It’s thought the knock could keep the 26-year-old out for some six weeks, meaning he may well miss his highly-anticipated return to Anfield with Madrid on November 4.
