Arsenal make transfer stance on 23-year-old star amid interest from Spanish heavyweight Real Madrid: Reports
Arsenal have made their transfer stance clear regarding their 23-year-old defender William Saliba, who has garnered interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos have reportedly been enamored with the Frenchman for some time, especially after his remarkable performances for the Gunners.
Last season, the Gunners conceded just 29 goals in their 38 Premier League games. Saliba was instrumental in this statistic as he featured in all 38 games. In the two seasons he has spent at the club, the Gunners have chased after the Premier League title, coming just shy in two consecutive seasons.
Real Madrid are currently suffering an injury crisis, with players like Eder Militao and David Alaba hit with cruciate ligament injuries. With their defensive depth now frail, the Spanish giants have turned their sights on William Saliba, as they look to repeat their impressive continental double of last season.
However, former scout Mick Brown has revealed that Arsenal have no intentions of selling Saliba. The Gunners deem the defender as untouchable, as Brown explained to Football Insider:
“It’s difficult to shut the door on things like that. But a lot of it will depend on whether he actually wants to go or not. What I would say is that nobody wins anything without a quality defence, and one of Arsenal’s strengths in recent years has been their back four...
"So from what I’ve heard, they’re not going to let Saliba go under any circumstances. Real Madrid are certainly interested because they’ve got to refresh their team at some stage. But from an Arsenal point of view, I don’t think there’s any way they let him leave."
The Gunners will hope that they can hold onto William Saliba, who could be flattered by the interest from Real Madrid.
Arsenal warned to stay away from Real Madrid playmaker
The Gunners have been warned to stay away from Madrid playmaker Arda Guler. The north Londoners are making plans for the January transfer window, as they look to add attacking impetus to their squad and improve their chances of winning a trophy.
Rumor has it that Arda Guler is in one of those plans, with claims that the club reached out to the 19-year-old to discuss a move. However, Darren Bent has spoken against such a move on talkSPORT's Insider Gooners podcast (via Mirror):
"Not for me. He won’t fit the squad. I think he’s a very good player, I saw him at the Euros, very talented. But will you swap one bench for another?"
"At Real Madrid, he’s not getting the opportunities. Coming to Arsenal there are better options, be it out wide or in the No.10 role. I can’t see that one happening. Good player, but, not for Arsenal, no."
If the Gunners take Darren Bent's words to heart, they will have to look in another direction as they continue their bid to sign quality players in the January window.
