Saliba 'simply could not turn down' Real Madrid transfer from Arsenal, claims former teammate
One of William Saliba’s former teammates believes the Arsenal defender ‘simply could not’ turn down an offer from Real Madrid if the Spanish giants come in for the defender.
Saliba has established himself as one of the standout defenders in world football since making his debut for Arsenal in 2022, having previously played in Ligue 1, first with Saint-Etienne before loan spells at Nice and Marseille after joining the Gunners.
The 25-year-old played alongside Morgan Schneiderlin at Nice and the ex-Manchester United midfielder believes that a move to Real Madrid could prove too tempting for Saliba.
“Saliba to Real Madrid? That’s something he will need to decide for himself,” Schneiderlin told ComeOn.
“I said this many years ago when he was playing for Nice, if I were a big club, I would buy him immediately, because down the line his price tag would become far too high.
“He is an incredible player to have in your side. But when a decision like that comes up, there are a handful of clubs in your career that you simply cannot turn down, and Real Madrid is one of them.”
William Saliba: Arsenal calm over defender’s future despite Real Madrid talk
Saliba has been a long-term target for Real Madrid but the La Liga side’s interest cooled after the French international signed a long-term extension at the Emirates last year.
With his new deal now set to expire in 2030, Madrid would likely have to pay close to Saliba’s €112.6 million Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) for Arsenal to even consider the sale of their star defender.
Although Saliba has claimed previously that he is desperate to continue winning trophies to establish his reputation as the world’s best defender, Arsenal’s continued improvement and title success last season appears to have calmed speculation so far.
Arsenal also have no desire to entertain any talks, even with plenty of former stars suggesting they would not be able to keep hold of Saliba if Real Madrid came in, and Schneiderlin believes the Gunners would struggle to find a replacement even if a big bid came in.
“It’s not for me to say whether he should stay at Arsenal or go to Madrid but what I do know, having played alongside him, is that he is a top centre-back with an elite mentality who always wants to improve,” Schneiderlin said.
“He’s coming back from a long injury now, but I think the bigger question is actually for Arsenal: if you lose Saliba, who do you replace him with? There are very few centre-backs in the world right now capable of delivering those kinds of performances.”
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