Arsenal don reportedly receive and reject Real Madrid offer wey suppose carry William Saliba go Spain in exchange for winger Rodrygo.
The Gunners don start Premier League season with 1-0 win against Manchester United on Sunday, but the way dem perform for Old Trafford still cause worry.
Match Performance Concern
New striker Viktor Gyokeres no even manage one shot for that game, while Manchester United control 61% possession and fire 22 shots toward Arsenal goal.
If not for the rock-solid defence wey William Saliba marshal, Mikel Arteta fit don suffer defeat for matchweek one.
Real Madrid Offer and Arsenal Response
Saliba don dey for Real Madrid transfer radar for some time. According to Marca, Real Madrid present swap proposal wey put Rodrygo go Emirates and bring Saliba to Santiago Bernabéu, but Arsenal sharply reject the deal.
Mikel Arteta’s Saliba and Bukayo Saka Contract Risk
William Saliba don become one of Premier League best defenders these last seasons — calm for defence, good with ball, and very important to how Arteta want Arsenal play. But contract wahala dey: Saliba only get two years left on him deal.
Same time, talisman Bukayo Saka still get two years left for him contract. Even though both players dey settled for Emirates, dem never collect the trophy wey their talent deserve.
Arsenal don finish second for three seasons running; if dem fail win league again this year, Saliba and Saka fit begin think about their future when only one year remain on their deals.
Why Arsenal Fit Still Need Rodrygo
If Arsenal wan finish top for 2025-26, dem go need Gyokeres to start deliver goals steady — but the Swede no show for Old Trafford. Whole team also struggle create chances, producing just 0.28 xG from open play, which show say creativity still short.
Rodrygo sabi play inside tight spaces and he comfortable to operate between opposition lines — area wey Gabriel Martinelli no always dominate.
Rodrygo fit break deep defensive blocks and create better chances for Gyokeres. If Arsenal get money to buy am, the Los Blancos winger fit add important spark to Arteta squad.
Bottom Line
For now, Arsenal no allow Saliba to leave and they reject the swap. But the story no end — Real Madrid go still dey watch, and contract situation plus Arsenal failure to win the title fit create fresh pressure later. Arteta must deliver trophies this season if he wan keep his biggest stars calm and committed.