Former Arsenal defender William Gallas believes William Saliba would find it almost impossible to turn down Real Madrid if the Spanish giants launch a bid for the French international.
Saliba is closing in on a return to first-team action ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Hull City this weekend, having missed the entirety of the campaign so far due to a back injury sustained at the World Cup.
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The 25-year-old centerpiece of Mikel Arteta’s defense signed a long-term contract extension in September 2025, committing his future to the Gunners through 2030. Arteta previously revealed that Saliba personally assured him of his commitment, telling the manager: “I want to stay here and play for you.”
However, speaking to SeatPick, Gallas insisted that the sheer weight of Real Madrid’s global stature makes them an irresistible proposition for any top player.
“Are Arsenal at a high enough level now that William Saliba would turn down Real Madrid if they came in for him?” Gallas questioned. “I know a lot of people will be mad about what I’m going to say, but if we are talking about the history of both clubs, Real Madrid and Arsenal, then Real Madrid is Real Madrid. They are on a different level.”
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Despite Arsenal re-establishing themselves among the elite in England and Europe, Gallas maintains that the allure of the Bernabéu remains unmatched.
“Madrid is Madrid, and I’m telling you, any player who has the opportunity to go to Madrid will try to go there—and you can’t blame them,” Gallas added. “You couldn’t blame a player like Saliba if that is his decision.”
