Gallas: Real Madrid's history could tempt Saliba to leave Arsenal
Former Arsenal defender William Gallas says Real Madrid's historical prestige could lure William Saliba away from the Gunners if the Spanish giants make an offer. Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Hull City at Emirates Stadium this Saturday, Gallas told SeatPick that "Real Madrid is Real Madrid. They're on a different level" when comparing the clubs' histories.
Saliba, signed from Saint-Etienne in 2019, has developed into one of the Premier League's top centre-backs. Gallas argues any player would struggle to turn down a move to Madrid given their stature, adding "You could not blame Saliba if that is his decision."
For Nigerian Arsenal fans, this reignites the familiar anxiety of losing top talent to Spanish giants—think Cesc Fàbregas, Robin van Persie, or Thierry Henry's later years. Saliba's current contract runs until 2027, and Arsenal have no immediate pressure to sell. But if Real Madrid come calling with a world-record defender fee, the club's resolve gets tested.
Will Arsenal's project under Arteta convince Saliba to stay, or does Real Madrid's pull remain irresistible for elite players?