Declan Rice reacts to William Saliba’s message after Arsenal transfer post

Arsenal defender William Saliba faces transfer speculation linking him to Real Madrid, prompting concern within the club despite his integral role in their defense since joining from Saint Etienne in 2019. After loan spells at Nice and Marseille, he formed a top-tier partnership with Gabriel, though Arsenal have yet to win trophies during his tenure. Reports indicate "alarm bells are ringing" at the club regarding Real Madrid's long-term pursuit.

Arsenal are actively negotiating a new contract with Saliba to retain him, as confirmed by former scout Mick Brown. The club recently commemorated Saliba's six-year anniversary with an Instagram post featuring career highlights, which drew reactions from teammates including Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, Reiss Nelson, and Saliba himself. While Real Madrid's appeal remains strong, an immediate summer departure appears unlikely.

Football Insider analysis underscores Saliba's status as one of the world's elite centre-backs and warns that losing him would severely damage Arsenal's trophy ambitions. Though Real Madrid's interest may have cooled after signing Dean Huijsen, urgency remains as Saliba enters the final two years of his contract. Failure to secure new terms could see his transfer value diminish significantly by next summer.