Arsenal transfer news: Real Madrid told William Saliba price tag as star closes on exit

William Saliba has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the La Liga giants now stepping up their pursuit of the Arsenal star ahead of the summer transfer window

While Arsenal’s full focus is on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, the Gunners are also building up to a likely busy summer transfer window.

Boss Mikel Arteta is keen to finally lead his side to Premier League title success next year, having come close three years in a row. To do that he will need reinforcements, particularly in attack.

But Arteta is also facing a difficult task in keeping hold of some of his star players. Real Madrid have made William Saliba their top target for the summer as they bid to improve their defensive options.

Saliba is entering the final two years of his contract, with Los Blancos keen to capitalise on the Frenchman’s situation. There could be a number of other exits from the Emirates Stadium as Arteta reshapes his squad.

And Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Gunners chiefs. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Arsenal transfer news.

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Madrid told Saliba price tag

William Saliba will cost Real Madrid a fee of £85million if they pursue him this summer. The Frenchman has become a star man for Arsenal and the Gunners are desperate to keep hold of him.

But L’Equipe claim that Madrid have made the defender their ‘priority target’ for the upcoming window. It is said that Los Blancos have been holding talks for a number of weeks and believe negotiations are ‘concrete’.

Saliba has maintained a ‘special bond’ with Madrid, though he is keen to not enter a conflict with his current side. Arsenal are refusing to publicly set a price tag, though it is said that a fee of £85m would be enough for Madrid to buy him.

Gittens issues plea

Arsenal have moved into the lead in the race to sign Jamie Gittens, with the winger having informed his Borussia Dortmund team-mates of his intention to leave. Gittens has impressed in the Bundesliga since joining Dortmund in 2020.

But Ruhr Nachrichten claim that he has been ‘thinking about his departure’ for some time. His aim is to return to England with the intention of working his way into Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad.

Arsenal are said to be among his interested suitors, with RN reporting they are ‘ahead of the game’. Dortmund are looking for around £50m for the 20-year-old, who is said to see Arsenal as his preferred destination.

Jorginho closes on exit

Flamengo technical director Jose Boto has insisted he will only formally pursue a move for Jorginho once Arsenal’s season is over. The midfielder has long been linked with a move to Brazil, though the Gunners are also keen to hand him a new deal.

It appears the 33-year-old has his heart set on joining the South American side though, with a deal at the advanced stage. Flamengo hope to bring him before the Club World Cup, though Boto has insisted they will handle their pursuit with care.

The sporting director told the Flazoeiro channel: “If Jorginho comes, it will be after the season in Europe ends. I hope it will be in time for the World Cup.”

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