Arsenal has officially negotiated with William Saliba on new contract

Arsenal defender and head coach William Saliba and Mikel Arteta celebrate the victory

According to the attention of La Liga giants Real Madrid, Arsenal has officially started negotiations with William Saliba on a new contract.

Saliba has become one of the best centre-backs in the world, and the Gunners are facing a battle to keep him, with Real Madrid reportedly planning a summer transfer.

Real Madrid may be busy in the transfer market this summer as the Spanish giants went through a bad trophy-free season under Carlo Ancelotti.

They have found a new right-back, with Liverpool star Trent Alexander Arnold going free-to-turn, and their next target is likely to be a centre-back.

Real Madrid has been linked to several potential targets, but Saliba is reportedly their first choice, and their interest is said to have sparked "concern" from Arsenal and "sounded the alarm bell."

Saliba's contract expires in 2027, but Arsenal is eager to sign a new contract with him, and they have "negotiated" with the centre-back, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

Although the French international has "other suitors", it is "very likely" to transfer to Real Madrid if he decides to leave Arsenal.

To avoid this, Arsenal sporting director Andre Berta "has a discussion" because they "hope to remove any doubts about his future."

Ornstein also revealed Saliba's current position with Arsenal on the new contract, namely "seeking an agreement."

"The club has not yet made an offer, but as negotiations progress and agreements are reached, they will make an offer in due course.

"Saliba is known to have had a great time at Arsenal, but he will inevitably seek a contract that reflects his status as one of the top players in the world football, who is only 24 years old. ”In March this year, Saliba insisted that he "wanted to win a major victory with Arsenal."

When asked if the new contract negotiations had begun, Saliba replied: "Not yet, because there are still a few years left, so there is no hurry now. ”

I am very happy here, that's it. I want to win great achievements with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything, the fans will forget you. I want to win great achievements here.