Arsenal s iron gates resist Real Madrid s sky-high temptation: the trust of 5.93 million people and the game of 120 million euros!

On July 26, 2025, the transfer rumors of William Saliba outside the Emirates Stadium were still fermenting. The lingering sound of Real Madrid's 120 million euro price has not yet dissipated. Arsenal coach Arteta stood on the sidelines, staring at the disciple's precise defensive selection with a torch - this young man who had missed the 2024 European Cup due to a knee injury is responding to the hunting of European giants with his actions.

"He gave Arsenal's defense a soul"

I still remember that in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Saliba contributed 3 key interceptions in two rounds, and the shot of destroying Vinicius's single shot against Real Madrid was rated as "The Best Defensive Moment of the Season" by Sky Sports. Although he was pierced by his opponent for a mistake in the second round due to a return pursuit, the 24-year-old French central defender still became the key man in the Gunners' European War with an 89% long pass success rate (first in the Premier League center back) and a record of 27 steals.

"He is like a machine that can predict." Former Arsenal legend Ian Wright sighed in the commentary. Data shows that Arsenal's goal conceded rate dropped by 37% after Saliba joined, ranking second in the five major league center backs per game. What's even more amazing is that he has been zero in 27 Premier League steals, which is even better than Van Deck (1 time).

Real Madrid's "Summer Blitz" and the Gunners' iron walls

According to the newspaper As, Real Madrid has prepared a 120 million euro liquidated damages + installment payment plan for Saliba, trying to replicate the operation of signing Mbappe. But Arsenal sporting director Amberta is firm: "We will not trade future cores for immediate combat power." This tough stance is exactly the same as rejecting Manchester City's 110 million pound offer for Saka.

Intriguingly, Saliba's agent Gibril Nion had contacted Real Madrid's senior management as early as this summer, and was even revealed to have promoted "tentative communication" before Gabriel renewed his contract. But Arsenal completed the contract renewal negotiations with a thunderous momentum, locking the French international with an annual salary of 11 million euros (fifth in the team) and contracted to 2029.

Salary Secret Battle and Dressing Room Password

Although the annual salary is only 61% of Havertz (18 million), Saliba won respect with her performance on the field. In Arteta's tactical system, he is both a scavenger central defender and a hub for offense and defense conversion, and averages 89 touches per game (first in central defender) to support Arsenal's high-level defense. In the locker room, his tacit cooperation with Jesus and Rice even influenced the decision to renew the contract of the Brazilian winger. Before renewing the contract, Gabriel made it clear: "I want to fight with Saliba." The calmness in the eyes of the storm

Faced with Real Madrid's offensive, Arsenal fans may not be able to sit still. Club legend Tony Adams wrote in The Times: "We gave all our money for Henry and Fabregas back then, and now it's Saliba's turn to write a new legend of loyalty."

This transfer game is far from over. Under the lights of Emirates Stadium, Saliba's back is still firm.

In fact, true greatness never needs to be proved by transfer fees. What do you think Saliba will make a decision?

Every corner of the green world is hidden in stories - the power game in the locker room of the wealthy, the Jedi counterattack of grassroots teams, and the secret world of retired players. I am Brother Hua. From the perspective of 15-year-old fans, I can see through the bloodiness and warmth inside and outside the green field.