William Saliba would find it difficult to reject Real Madrid if the Spanish giants makes a transfer move for him, according to his former Nice teammate Morgan Schneiderlin.
The Arsenal defender has developed into one of the most highly regarded centre-backs in European football since establishing himself in Mikel Arteta’s first team. However, speculation over a possible move to Real Madrid has continued, with the Spanish club reportedly keeping an eye on his situation.
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Schneiderlin, who played alongside Saliba at Nice during the 2020-21 season, believes the 25-year-old has the quality and mentality to play for any leading European side. He also recognises the special appeal Real Madrid holds for players.
Speaking to ComeOn, the former Manchester United and Southampton midfielder insisted that Saliba must make his own decision but admitted that turning down an opportunity to join Madrid would be difficult.
“William Saliba to Real Madrid? That’s something he will need to decide for himself,” Schneiderlin said.
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“It’s not for me to say whether he should stay at Arsenal or go to Madrid but what I do know, having played alongside him, is that he is a top centre-back with an elite mentality who always wants to improve.
“He is an incredible player to have in your side. But when a decision like that comes up, there are a handful of clubs in your career that you simply cannot turn down, and Real Madrid is one of them.”
Schneiderlin questions how Arsenal could replace Saliba
Schneiderlin also highlighted the challenge Arsenal would face if they ever lost their first-choice centre-back.
The Frenchman believes there are very few defenders in world football capable of matching Saliba’s level, making any potential departure a major problem for Arteta.
“He’s coming back from a long injury now, but I think the bigger question is actually for Arsenal: if you lose Saliba, who do you replace him with? There are very few centre-backs in the world right now capable of delivering those kinds of performances.
“I said this many years ago when he was playing for Nice, if I were a big club, I would buy him immediately, because down the line his price tag would become far too high.”
Saliba has been recovering from a back injury that kept him out during the opening weeks of the season. He is expected to return to full fitness after the international break.
Arsenal have Saliba under contract until 2030
Arsenal moved to secure Saliba’s long-term future in 2025, with the defender signing a contract extension that runs until 2030.
That agreement puts the Gunners in a strong negotiating position should Real Madrid or another club make an approach. It also means Arsenal are under no immediate pressure to consider selling one of their most important players.
Mikel Arteta has previously faced questions about the defender’s future, with Saliba understood to have reassured the manager about his happiness in north London.
Nevertheless, Madrid’s reported interest continues to fuel speculation. The Spanish club have been linked with Saliba for several seasons as they look to maintain their options at the heart of their defence.
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Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has also discussed the attraction of Real Madrid, pointing to the club’s history and stature as factors that could make it difficult for a player to turn down an opportunity to join them.
For now, Saliba remains a key part of Arteta’s plans as Arsenal pursue their ambitions this season. His long-term contract offers the club security, but Schneiderlin’s comments underline the challenge Arsenal could face if Real Madrid ever decide to make their interest formal.
