

Arsenal can breathe a sigh of relief as they look set to retain one of the world's top centre-backs in William Saliba. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have missed out on a future option after the defender, whose contract was due to expire in 2027, is on the verge of signing a new deal with the Gunners.
According to 'The Athletic', the 24-year-old Frenchman will soon put pen to paper on an agreement that will extend his stay by three more seasons than originally agreed, renewing until 30 June 2030. This will also entail a significant pay rise for the player, who was already Arsenal's highest-paid centre-back, and will now be even further ahead.
Therefore, the club hoped that Saliba would delay his renewal for longer. If he were to extend it to next year or the following year, Real Madrid could have looked for a way to put pressure on him.