Andrea Berta delivers decisive response to Real Madrid over interest in William Saliba

Gidibam Web2 weeks ago

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Image credit: Getty Images

Andrea Berta has responded decisively to Real Madrid’s growing interest in William Saliba by making the defender a top priority in Arsenal’s summer plans.

The newly appointed Arsenal sporting director faces a pivotal summer, tasked with overseeing a major squad rebuild while also securing the futures of the club’s key players. Among them, Saliba stands out as a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s project. However, uncertainty has arisen over the France international’s long-term future, with his current contract set to expire in 2027 and questions looming after another season without silverware.

Real Madrid’s media machine has been working overtime in recent weeks, with Marca dubbing the 24-year-old centre-back the “chosen one,” tipped to lead a defensive overhaul. The Spanish giants, eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage and likely to finish behind Barcelona in La Liga, are eyeing reinforcements at the back, especially with Antonio Rüdiger now 32 and Éder Militão recovering from his second cruciate ligament injury within a year.

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Berta, however, is no stranger to Real Madrid’s transfer tactics, having navigated their maneuvers during his tenure at Atletico Madrid. According to L’Équipe, he remains unfazed by their public pursuit and has already opened fresh contract talks with Saliba, who is reportedly inclined to remain at the club he grew up supporting.

***William Saliba against Real Madrid (Image credit: Getty Images)***

Arsenal are hopeful of securing Saliba’s long-term commitment, with negotiations already underway. The player himself appeared relaxed about the situation when asked about his future ahead of last month’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

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“I am really happy here. I want to continue here. Not yet [talks over a new deal], there is no rush. I am happy here. That’s it.”

Arteta also moved to downplay any speculation that Saliba could be tempted by a move to Spain. Speaking before last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth, he said: “Those kinds of things are more for Andrea and the club to talk about.

“What I’m certain of, because I had the conversation with him, is that he is so happy here, that he wants to continue with us. What happens in the future with our negotiations takes time and process, but I’m quite confident that William is very happy here and this is the place he wants to be.”