Real makes a decision: when will Saliba arrive in Madrid?

Real Madrid is prepared to wait until William Saliba's contract with Arsenal expires in 2027 to sign the French defender on a free transfer.

Real has been tracking the Arsenal player for several years. Saliba caught the club's eye since his days at Saint-Étienne. In 2019, he signed with Arsenal, but the relationship between Real and his entourage continues to develop.

• Also read: The likelihood of Dean Huijsen's move to Real Madrid is very low. The reason is known

Real is unlikely to make an attempt to sign the defender this summer, as his contract with Arsenal runs until 2027. It is expected that the London club will start negotiations to extend his contract in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, Real Madrid could make an offer in 2026 or try to sign Saliba for free if he doesn't sign a new contract.

Interestingly, Real is also considering other options for the center-back position, including Jonathan Tah, who will leave Bayer this summer on a free transfer, and the promising young defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, who is an ardent fan of the Madrid club.