Real Madrid have long been admirers of William Saliba from Arsenal. To many, he is seen as the ideal Real Madrid defender - Composed, agile, and arguably the best center back in the world in one-on-one defensive duties.
Many see him as the next missing piece for Xabi Alonso to fill. However, if recent news is anything to go by, then Real Madrid fans can kiss goodbye to that dream.
According to a report from the ever-reliable David Ornstein, William Saliba has committed his long-term future to Arsenal by agreeing on a new long-term contract. He hasn't signed the contract yet, but he's expected to sign it in the coming days.
Real Madrid can kiss goodbye to their dream Arsenal transfer
Ornstein mentioned that Real Madrid were potential suitors for William Saliba, which doesn't come as a surprise. Whenever a player is the best in the world in their position, at least in the top three, Real Madrid will naturally be interested.
However, as reiterated by Ornstein, Saliba wanted to stay at Arsenal, and stay he will.
It's important to mention that William Saliba is only 24 years old. While he is expected to commit his future years to Arsenal, there's no saying he won't join Real Madrid in the future. Only time will tell, and Florentino Perez won't give up hope in the long-term.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid fans should remove William Saliba from their dream team drafts. He will only be playing for Arsenal for the foreseeable future.
Arsenal has ambitions of winning the Premier League or the Champions League this season. The former has eluded the Gunners for two decades, and they have never won the latter. Therefore, some players in the squad are sold a dream by Mikel Arteta, and they see themselves as on the precipice of making history.
But what does it mean for Real Madrid?
Well, thankfully, Florentino Perez always has a plan B in mind. Let's face it, he probably has a plan Z at this point, that's how bulletproof Real Madrid is under the club president.
Real Madrid would like to sign Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool. Konaté is Saliba's countryman, and unlike the Arsenal defender, he is yet to commit his long-term future to his club.
Under Xabi Alonso, expect there to be more defensive acquisitions. Having signed Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras in the summer, he is not done there. Not nearly done, actually.