Arsenal to offer star defender William Saliba new contract amid Real Madrid interest, Reece James could leave Chelsea - Paper Round
ByTNT Sports
Published 13/05/2025 at 23:07 GMT+1
Arsenal hope to keep William Saliba out of the clutches of Real Madrid, who are currently favourites to strengthen their backline with Bournemouth’s young central defender Dean Huijsen. Elsewhere, Newcastle United have Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap and more players in their sights, and Reece James could be one of three homegrown players to be sold by Chelsea to raise funds this summer.
Arteta 'really upset' with Arsenal's first-half display in Liverpool draw
Video credit: SNTV
Arsenal hope to keep Saliba
Arsenal are reportedly ready to offer a huge salary increase to defender William Saliba amid interest from Real Madrid.
The French international is seen by many as one of the best defenders in the world, and his current deal expires in just two years.
The Mirror reports: "Arsenal are determined to fend off Real Madrid by opening contract talks with William Saliba. The Spanish giants are targeting a centre half this summer and have got the Gunners defender at the top of their wish list.
"Incoming Real boss Xabi Alonso wants to strengthen his back four and France international Saliba is regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe. Arsenal are desperate to tie the 24-year-old down to a new, long term deal at the Emirates to ensure he stays at the club.
"His current contract expires in 2027 and Arsenal realise the big window of opportunity comes this summer when he has two years left on his deal at the Emirates. Saliba is already one of Arsenal’s top earners after last signing a contract in 2023 but knows his value is very high.
"It is believed that contract talks are still at a very early stage but Arsenal are keen to get a deal done to keep one of their prized assets. Saliba is on around £190,000-a-week but knows he can command a big increase to make him one of Europe’s best-paid defenders."
James may be sacrificed by Chelsea
Enzo Maresca has recently been using Moises Caicedo at right back and Romeo Lavia in central midfield, which has left Reece James struggling for regular starts.
The Sun suggests that, as a result, James, as well as Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill may all be sold to boost their funds for this summer's transfer window.
The paper writes: "That has seen natural marauding full-back James mostly feature in Lavia's absences this season, which is not what you expect from the club captain and the team's highest earner.
"However, with Caicedo seeming to be consistency personified and hardly ever missing a game, it might be Andrey Santos, currently on loan at Strasbourg, who fills in for Lavia when he's unavailable next season.
"James will certainly have suitors, having previously been linked with some of Europe's top sides, and it wouldn't surprise many if Chelsea were to lap up a bit of pure profit for PSR reasons if he isn't being utilised."
Newcastle draw up list of summer targets
Newcastle have drawn up a recruitment shortlist, according to The Athletic.
Marc Guehi is their preferred central defender, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is another target. In attack, Bryan Mbeumo, Anthony Elanga and Antoine Semenyo are being monitored, and Liam Delap has been earmarked as a potential striker signing.
"Progress has been made in that the priority positions to strengthen have long been determined — centre-back, right-sided forward, striker and goalkeeper — and there have been recruitment meetings over the past fortnight, during which target lists have been narrowed down," the website explains.
"Significant due diligence has taken place on targets across multiple positions. If Eddie Howe’s side reach the Champions League, asking prices will rise, with clubs recognising Newcastle will have a greater transfer budget.
"Lessons have been learned from the Guehi pursuit, though, and Newcastle will look to avoid a repeat of last summer’s protracted saga."
Real lead the race for Huijsen
Dean Huijsen looks set to join Real Madrid in the summer, with three Premier League sides likely to lose out.
Chelsea were seemingly the most interested English side, but both Arsenal and Liverpool had considered making a move for the Bournemouth defender.
The Telegraph states: "Real Madrid are confident of beating Chelsea to the signing of Dean Huijsen after stepping up their interest in the Bournemouth defender.
"Chelsea had been considered favourites to land Huijsen, who has a £50 million release clause that it has been reported can be paid in three instalments. But Madrid have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the queue for Huijsen, who is a Dutch-born Spain international.
"Madrid have already held talks over signing Huijsen and are thought to be prepared to offer a significantly higher guaranteed salary than Chelsea. The release clause is not a problem for either club to meet, particularly as it does not have to be paid in one hit, and Madrid is thought to be an attractive proposition for Huijsen."
React to this story
Share this article
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement