Arsenal demand Real Madrid use one player in William Saliba deal and it'd be the most outrageous swap in years
Arsenal could be open to selling William Saliba to Real Madrid if one player goes the other way in what would be an outrageous swap deal.
Saliba will enter the final two years of his existing deal at the end of the season but Arsenal are keen for him to sign a new deal at the Emirates.
He has emerged as an incredibly influential player at Arsenal, having enjoyed spells away from the club before breaking into the first-team.
Saliba has made 130 appearances for the Gunners and has impressed fans and critics alike, with the Frenchman widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
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His performances in England's top flight have also garnered attention from Spain as Real are 'keeping an eye' on him.
The Gunners will be reluctant to sell one of their prized assets, but it appears they could be open to selling him as long as they can sign Aurelien Tchouameni as part of a potential deal.
That's according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, who claim Arsenal being able to sign Tchouameni is a key detail.
Mikel Arteta appears set to reinforce his midfield options when the transfer window reopens this summer.
Jorginho, who has been at the club since January 2023, is on the verge of leaving the club as his contract is set to expire.
Thomas Partey is also out of contract, meaning the club could have to replace two midfielders this summer.
Tchouameni serves as an ideal replacement.
The 25-year-old has been at Real since the summer of 2022 following his £68.3 million transfer from AS Monaco.
An opportunity to sign the player could open up if they entertain Real's advances for Saliba.
Asked about Saliba being linked with a move to Real, Arteta said: "Those kind of things are more for Andrea and the club to talk about.
"What I’m certain, because I had the conversation with him, is that he is so happy here, that he wants to continue with us and what will happen in the future with our negotiations and things that have to take time and process and be on top of them.
"But I’m quite confident that William is very happy here and that’s the place that he wants to be."
Topics: William Saliba, Arsenal, Aurelien Tchouameni, Football
Nasir Jabbar