Real Madrid have made a fresh bid for Arsenal centre‑back William Saliba. Their offer reportedly includes a cash sum plus two players, perhaps Arda Güler and Marco Asensio, to sweeten the deal. In return, they’d like Rodrygo from Madrid heading to Arsenal as part of the package. Arsenal have countered with a strong contract proposal to keep Saliba, which he’s mulling over during the summer break.
What would this mean for Arsenal and Real Madrid
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is keen to build a winning core around Saliba, who signed a contract extension in 2023 running until 2027. The French defender is reportedly earning around £190,000 per week. Madrid’s interest stems from earlier hopes that Saliba might let his contract run down and depart on a free. However, the Gunners are pushing hard to hold on to him through the swap deal if it comes to that.
The key question now: Will Saliba commit to staying? Arsenal are said to want a quick answer. Saliba himself is reportedly using the summer to reflect on his future, but he is “not indifferent” to the offer Madrid have made. Regardless of the outcome, the Gunners are working rapidly to resolve it.
Rodrygo: Arsenal’s top left‑wing target from Real Madrid
Rodrygo, the Brazilian winger at Real Madrid, is being heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. Madrid are reportedly open to selling him if the right offer arrives. New coach Xabi Alonso appears ready to let him go amid squad reshuffling.
Under Alonso, Rodrygo has seen reduced game time behind stars like Vinícius Jr, Mbappé, and Bellingham. He has apparently only featured once in over 50 days, prompting his father and agent to express frustration—tensions which did not sit well at Madrid.
Why this transfer might just be possible for both Arsenal and Real Madrid
Talks with Arsenal are reportedly underway. The Gunners hope to lure him by offering guaranteed starts on the left wing—something unlikely at Madrid. Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal’s defender, has even called Rodrygo a “phenomenon” and said he’d welcome the Brazilian at the Emirates.
Madrid are said to value Rodrygo at around £77m–£84m (€90m), though reports suggest a potential opening offer of about €80m from Arsenal, with value-based add-ons possible. Real might settle for a fee nearer £80m if it comes with the right terms.
Most experts expect Arsenal to press their approach after clearing space in the squad—possibly via the sale of Gabriel Martinelli.
How these offers intersect
The potential swap involving Saliba and Rodrygo could solve multiple puzzles:
- Arsenal keep their defensive rock in Saliba—if he signs the new deal.
- Rodrygo re‑energises Arsenal’s left side with regular playing time.
- Madrid bolster their squad with a proven centre‑back and flexibility in wage structure.
It hinges on whether Saliba agrees to stay. If he declines, Arsenal signal their willingness to let him go—but also demonstrate they won’t be bullied despite Madrid’s reputation for swooping transfers.
What to watch next
- Will Saliba commit long-term to Arsenal before offers close?
- Does Arsenal firm up their bid for Rodrygo in early August once player sales open up space?
- Will Real Madrid finalise the deal in the “last few hours” before the transfer window shuts?
The Rodrygo‑Arsenal talks seem primed for a full push once Arsenal clear out some squad members and perhaps confirm the Martinelli exit. Meanwhile, Madrid’s patience may wear thin if decisions drag beyond the summer window deadline.
For Arsenal fans, the coming days will be a feverish stretch of juggling contract renewals, transfer bids, and timing trade‑offs.
Author’s Note
Overall, the next 48–72 hours look pivotal. Arsenal aim to keep Saliba while landing Rodrygo, but that hinges on fast-moving decisions on all sides. Madrid also seem ready to deal—but only if terms suit their plans. This promises to be one of the window’s key negotiations.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
