"Special because you avoid having problems with all the speculation, with all the media rumours, with all the possibilities because (it) was not speculation about Real Madrid, (it) was reality. Real Madrid wanted William Saliba. Real Madrid considered William Saliba as a potential target for the future. They never started any negotiation or any concrete talk because you can't do it obviously with two years left on his contract, and because Arsenal never wanted to entertain any negotiation and discussion."
"According to Fabrizio Romano, speaking to Men In Blazers on YouTube, the Gunners boss was fully involved in the work the club did trying to ensure Saliba committed his future to the north London giants. Romano has made it clear that Real Madrid really wanted Saliba, seeing him as the Jude Bellingham of defence, but it seems they never opened talks over a deal."
Mikel Arteta was fully involved in efforts to secure William Saliba's contract extension at Arsenal. Arsenal completed Saliba's new contract by late September or early October to avoid prolonged speculation and media rumours. Real Madrid regarded Saliba as a potential future target and compared him to Jude Bellingham in defensive terms, but did not open formal negotiations. Negotiations were impractical with two years remaining on Saliba's deal and Arsenal refused to entertain transfer talks. Saliba wanted to stay at Arsenal, and the club's internal work and early resolution ensured the France international committed his future to the north London club.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
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