Andrea Berta has reacted to Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba by initiating contract extension talks with the defender, according to a report.
L’Equipe (via GFFN) report that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has recognised that Real Madrid are trying to plant a seed of doubt in William Saliba’s mind, to ultimately convince him to move to Spain.
In response, Berta initiated contract extension talks with the defender several weeks ago, and those conversations have ramped up again in recent days, according to the claims.
Berta believes Real Madrid are trying to get Saliba to run down his current deal so he can leave for a cheaper price next summer, or as a free agent in 2027.
L’Equipe previously reported that Real Madrid had opened talks with Saliba’s representatives over a potential transfer, with the defender among their priority targets. Though the same outlet added that the player has no intention to force a move.
Real Madrid have convinced other top players to run down their deals before, signing David Alaba, Kylian Mbappe, and Trent Alexander-Arnold when their contracts ran out.
Berta is evidently keen to ensure Arsenal don’t suffer the same fate with Saliba by extending his deal before that can happen.
Previous reports from The Athletic have suggested that an imminent move for Saliba to join Real Madrid is unlikely, with Arsenal’s asking price likely to price out even the Spanish giants this summer.
Saliba has played 48 times for Arsenal this season, starting 47 of those matches.