Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate made a cheeky comment to Arsenal's William Saliba while they were signing autographs together on France international duty. Konate won the Premier League title with Liverpool last season while Saliba and Arsenal had to make do with second place again a position they've finished in for three years in a row. Liverpool and Arsenal are likely to be the main two title challengers again in 2025/26, and it seems like Konate might have been trying some mind games with Saliba.
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.
It's tough to really state just how big a deal this is for Arsenal. It's absolutely huge news and a massive, massive boost to the club. Talks have been going on for months now between the club and Saliba's representatives, with sporting director Andrea Berta having really taken a firm grasp on the negotiations following his appointment in March. But they have really ramped up since the closure of the transfer window and now Berta and Arsenal have got the result they wanted.
Real Madrid are looking to improve their defensive unit with the signing of William Saliba from Arsenal. The 24-year-old is one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and his performances have attracted the attention of the outfit. Real Madrid are hoping to sign him at the end of the season. Saliba will enter the final year of his contract next season, and Real Madrid are hoping that he does not renew his contract with the Premier League giants.
Arsenal have been dealt a major injury blow with defender William Saliba sidelined for three to four weeks now. The French international picked up an ankle injury before the Premier League clash against Liverpool, and the 24-year-old will now miss matches against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle United in the Premier League. He is also set to miss the Champions League clash against Athletic Club Bilbao, as per L'Equipe.