Real Madrid News
22-year-old Arsenal defender snubs Real Madrid interest to agree a new contract
With Real Madrid going through a period of transition, the club have aligned their vision towards several top European talents.
Following a bucketload of departures, Los Blancos’ increased freedom on the wage bill has given them the leverage to conduct high-profile business deals in the upcoming summer transfer window.
One of the names on Real Madrid’s agenda was Arsenal’s star centre-back, William Saliba. The Frenchman produced a spectacular season with the Gunners as his side went toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s ferocious Manchester City in the Premier League.
As per talkSPORT, with only twelve months remaining in Saliba’s contract, Real Madrid were showing an interest in his services.
However, Arsenal have decided to act preemptively by holding talks over a contract renewal with the 22-year-old Frenchman. And, as per the report, Saliba has decided to rebuff the Merengues’ interest and has reached an agreement with the Gunners to extend his contract.
Since Los Blancos would have been able to negotiate pre-contract terms over a player transfer in January 2024, the Gunners hoped to avoid the risk of parting with one of their most valuable assets for a negligible sum.
The report claims Saliba will soon sign a new deal, extending his tenure in north London through 2027.
Following this breakthrough news, interest from Real Madrid is likely to lessen. Without the luxury of approaching a player nearing the end of his contract, a high figure will have to be paid and, as of now, the Merengués are more focused on rebuilding the attack.
Despite Real Madrid having ample options at the back, for a low fee, Saliba would have been a laudable pickup. The Frenchman has evolved into one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League.
Since his arrival looks unlikely now, filling a barren front line will hold the most weight. After Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio’s departure as well as several other fringe players such as Eden Hazard and Mariano, actions have to be taken by the Real Madrid hierarchy to ensure adequate replacements are found.
With the international break done and dusted, Real Madrid will be back in action this weekend in La Liga, where they will be looking to catch up to league leaders FC Barcelona.
Coming up for Jose Mourinho & co., who lost their last game before the international break, will be a home game against Villarreal on Saturday.
And, leading up to the game, the Spanish capital club have received welcome news on the injury front.
Mbappe back in group training
Indeed, as per MARCA, Kylian Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Having been training individually so far this week, the France captain rejoined group training under Mourinho today, taking a concrete step forward towards making himself available for the game.
The forward looked relaxed and ready to work, putting his boots back on and joining the group as Real Madrid prepare for a demanding run of fixtures throughout October.
And, unless there is any unforeseen setback, everything suggests that Mbappe will be ready to start against the Yellow Submarine come Saturday.
Under scrutiny
The past few weeks have been nothing short of eventful for Mbappe, with his every action and movement under heavy scrutiny.
Playing for France, in Zinedine Zidane’s managerial debut, the 27-year-old superstar scored a goal before asking for a substitution due to a knee injury.
Having flown back to Madrid, he underwent tests, which confirmed the injury, although it was not as serious as was initially feared.
The forward then took week-long holiday with his partner that sparked some debate among supporters and attracted criticism from multiple quarters.
Mbappe returned to Madrid on Monday and participated in individual sessions at Valdebebas over the past couple of days. Now he has resumed normal training with his teammates.
There had been doubts over whether Mbappe would be able to face Villarreal after he picked up the injury on 25 September.
However, the recovery plan followed by the forward appears to have worked, and he is now expected to be in a fully fit condition for Saturday’s match.
