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Arsenal reject €95m PSG bid for 23yo

Arsenal demonstrated their determination to keep William Saliba just two months ago by rejecting a €95 million bid from PSG.

The decision highlighted the club’s stance that the French international is non-negotiable, a position that now faces renewed pressure with Real Madrid reportedly making the 23-year-old their priority target.

SALIBA: The chosen one The arrival of the French centre-back has created consensus within the "Casa Blanca." He has become the priority target for strengthening a defence plagued with issues. Sport 2 Jan 2025 T. ANDREU / A. ALCÁZAR William Saliba has emerged as Real Madrid's top target to address their defensive struggles. The French centre-back joins a list of defensive reinforcements that includes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies, two players aimed at solidifying the flanks and addressing a pressing weakness in the squad. At 23 years old and standing 192 cm tall, Saliba currently plays for Arsenal, a club that has no intention of selling one of its most valuable assets. However, this does not make a transfer impossible. Saliba's market value is €80 million, a remarkable increase of €57.5 million since Arsenal signed him in 2019 from Saint-Étienne, where he was already showing promise at just 18 years old. After loan spells at Saint-Étienne, Nice, and Marseille, Saliba became a fixture at Arsenal in 2022, when his market value had risen to €40 million. Arsenal recently rejected a €95 million bid from PSG, as reported by Fichajes.net, highlighting the club's strong resistance to letting him go. Initial contacts According to Sport, Real Madrid has already made discreet inquiries with Saliba's representatives and received a positive response. Negotiations are reportedly being conducted with the utmost discretion. Saliba is under contract with Arsenal until 2027, but Real Madrid’s strategy hinges on convincing the player to request a transfer if a bid exceeding €100 million is tabled. Such a fee would set a new record for a defender’s transfer. Real Madrid may also have an advantage due to Saliba’s roots in Bondy, the same town as Kylian Mbappé, with whom he is acquainted. If signed, Saliba would join a group of French players at the club, alongside Mbappé and three others. Another factor in Madrid’s favour is Saliba’s connection to Wilfrid Mbappé, Kylian’s father, who coached him in his early footballing days at the modest Seine-Saint-Denis club. “He was my coach for almost two years. He taught me everything, and if I’m here today, it’s thanks to him. Since his father was my coach, I often went to Kylian’s house. Even back then, it was clear he was on another level,” Saliba told Le Populaire when he was just 18. Despite being right-footed, Saliba has shown versatility and composure beyond his years, making him an ideal candidate to bolster Real Madrid’s ailing defence. The coming months will reveal whether Madrid’s ambitious pursuit can break Arsenal’s resolve.
SALIBA: The chosen one The arrival of the French centre-back has created consensus within the “Casa Blanca.” He has become the priority target for…

Saliba has been instrumental for Arsenal, establishing himself as one of Europe’s leading defenders since becoming a first-team regular in 2022.

His partnership with Gabriel Magalhães has been key to the Gunners’ recent rise, and his performances have drawn attention from Europe’s elite, including PSG and Real Madrid.

Despite PSG’s record-breaking offer, as outlined in the Sport article shown above, Arsenal’s refusal to entertain the bid signals their intent to build their future around Saliba.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, interacts with William Saliba of Arsenal after the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at the Brentford Community Stadium on January 01, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

The Frenchman, who is under contract until 2027, remains equally committed to Arsenal. Speaking recently, he said, “Yeah of course, I feel at home. I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything – the players, the staff and the fans, so why not?” His words reflect a player fully invested in Arsenal’s long-term vision.

According to reports, the Spanish giants are prepared to surpass PSG’s bid, with a potential offer exceeding €100 million to address their defensive struggles. However, Arsenal’s previous stance and Saliba’s happiness in North London suggest that Madrid’s pursuit is likely to end in frustration.

Arsenal’s rejection of PSG’s bid is a clear statement of intent. Saliba is not just an exceptional player but a cornerstone of the club’s ambitions. While Real Madrid may test Arsenal’s resolve, their previous stance, coupled with Saliba’s loyalty, suggests the Gunners have no plans to part with their star defender anytime soon.

In fact, it was reported in November that talks had begun over a new deal for Saliba.

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