Saliba set to sign new Arsenal deal as Real Madrid chase continues; Konaté linked as Madrid turn to Premier League targets

Arsenal defender William Saliba is set to sign a new five-year contract that would keep him at the club beyond his current deal, which runs to 2027, according to The Athletic. The development comes amid Real Madrid's long-standing interest in the France international, with Madrid previously identified as Saliba's top target as they reassessed their defensive options. Saliba returned from injury in a Premier League clash against Manchester City this past weekend and could seal terms in the coming days.

Real Madrid, now under manager Xabi Alonso, had been viewed as Saliba’s priority target heading into next summer, but Arsenal are said to be unwilling to negotiate a transfer and intend to keep the 23-year-old as a central piece of their defensive plans. The renewal would bind Saliba to Arsenal through the latter half of the decade, reinforcing Mikel Arteta's back line as the club pursues both domestic and European ambitions. The Athletic's report followed Saliba's return from injury and his involvement in a late-season run that helped Arsenal position themselves for a challenging schedule ahead.

The Saliba development arrives amid broader speculation about Real Madrid’s recruitment strategy, which in recent seasons has included courting elite young defenders from the Premier League. Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté is also said to be of interest to Madrid as he approaches the end of his five-year deal at Anfield. Konaté has reportedly turned down several contract offers from Liverpool, fueling talk that Madrid could pursue him next year as a potential upgrade to their defensive options. The situation evokes the high-profile transfer patterns Madrid have followed in recent seasons, though any move would depend on timing and contract developments at Liverpool.

Liverpool’s ongoing situation mirrors the earlier exit that affected Anfield’s landscape when Trent Alexander-Arnold moved to Madrid last season. Alexander-Arnold started at Madrid in a Champions League clash with Marseille but was forced off after only a few minutes with a hamstring injury. Madrid officials have warned that the injury could keep him sidelined for roughly six weeks, potentially complicating their anticipated return to Anfield on November 4 for a high-profile clash.

Alexander-Arnold’s experience at Madrid has drawn scrutiny as the club continues its pursuit of young, adaptable players who can thrive on the European stage. With Konaté attracting interest from Madrid, the Spanish side may pivot toward a January or next-summer approach depending on how the contract situations unfold at Liverpool and the long-term implications for their defensive unit. Madrid’s broader strategy remains to blend established stars with emerging talent from Europe’s top leagues, while Arsenal seeks to stabilize and extend its defensive core through Saliba’s commitment.

Arsenal’s leadership has consistently signaled a willingness to secure key assets rather than risk losing them on free transfers as their targets and timetable align with a sustained push for silverware. Saliba’s extension would provide the club with much-needed continuity at the back as Arteta refines a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. For Real Madrid, the pursuit of Konaté or alternative options could shape their defensive architecture in the months ahead, particularly if Saliba remains in North London.