Former Premier League defender Mikael Silvestre has urged Arsenal to fight hard to keep hold of centre-back William Saliba amid interest from Real Madrid. 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said that the Gunners are set for a “big” transfer window this summer, with the club looking to spend in order to strengthen in midfield and attack. However, they will also have to fight to keep hold of their best players.

William Saliba has reportedly attracted attention from Real Madrid, who would have to break the world record transfer fee for a defender in order to sign the Frenchman.

Seeing as Saliba has been so key to Arsenal’s success in the past two seasons, the Gunners will be desperate to keep hold of him to help them overcome Man City and Liverpool and win a Premier League title.

Former Premier League defender Mikael Silvestre said that the Gunners need to ensure they keep hold of the 23-year-old. He told 10Bet: “It’s important to listen to what the plans are from the manager, from the new sporting director, Andrea Berta, coming in. It’s really important because it’s a short career.

“Saliba is playing for France, and he wants to get titles at the club level. So definitely it’s important for him to make the right choice. It’s a good position for him to be in. I mean, he can’t make demands or get guarantees, but at least he needs to know the willingness and the desire of the management to push for the title.

“It will be his decision whether or not he’s committing more and more years to Arsenal. There’s no doubt that he is one of the top CBs in the world and plenty of club’s would love to take him. For him to stay at Arsenal, he has to be convinced by the vision of the club and the project. He needs to believe that he can win the major prizes playing for Arsenal.”

Saliba’s centre-back partner Gabriel linked with move away from Arsenal

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Saliba isn’t the only Arsenal defender who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates as Gabriel has reportedly attracted heavy attention from Saudi Pro League sides.

Reports emerged in March suggesting that he could be offered a deal worth £323,000 per week, which is over three times more than his current salary at Arsenal.

The Gunners will make sure that they make it as difficult as possible for buying clubs to sign both Saliba and Gabriel, and could work to agree new contracts with both defenders.

Click here to see Arsenal’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season.