### Arsenal Hope to Retain Saliba
Arsenal Football Club is actively working to extend the contract of their talented defender, William Saliba, in light of growing interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid. The French international has garnered widespread recognition as one of the premier defenders in global football, amplifying the urgency for the Gunners to act decisively, especially since Saliba’s current contract will expire in two years.
According to a report from *The Mirror*, Arsenal is determined to fend off the advances of Real Madrid by initiating discussions regarding a new contract for Saliba. The new incoming coach of Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, is reportedly looking to fortify his defensive lineup, and he views Saliba as a key component in achieving that objective. The urgency of the negotiations is further heightened by the fact that Saliba is now regarded as not only a crucial asset for Arsenal but also as one of the finest young defenders in all of Europe.
The club is keenly aware that they only have a limited window of opportunity with Saliba having two years remaining on his current contract, which runs through 2027. Saliba, who has been one of Arsenal’s top earners since signing a new deal in 2023, is still cognizant of his rising market value. While early-stage discussions have already commenced, Arsenal’s management is eager to finalize a long-term agreement to secure one of their most prized players. Currently earning around £190,000 per week, Saliba has the potential to negotiate an increase that would place him amongst the highest-paid defenders across Europe.
### Chelsea May Sacrifice James
As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea may have to make some difficult decisions. Recent tactical shifts by manager Enzo Maresca have seen players like Moises Caicedo occupying the right-back position and Romeo Lavia cementing his role in central midfield. Consequently, club captain Reece James has found it challenging to secure regular starting appearances, prompting speculation about his future at the club.
*The Sun* has reported that if conditions don’t improve, several players—including James, Trevoh Chalobah, and Levi Colwill—may be sold to fund potential acquisitions during the upcoming transfer window. The struggles of James, a natural full-back who has predominantly played in a more advanced role this season, are particularly alarming given his status as the team’s highest earner. With Caicedo’s consistent performances, it’s plausible that Andrey Santos, currently on loan at Strasbourg, could be slotted in when Lavia is unavailable next season.
James, however, is expected to attract attention from several top European clubs. Should he continue to see limited action, it would not be surprising for Chelsea to initiate a sale, particularly for financial reasons, maximizing the return on their investment in a player of his caliber.
### Newcastle’s Summer Recruitment Strategy
In preparation for the upcoming summer transfer window, Newcastle United has reportedly compiled a list of targeted players designed to enhance their squad’s competitiveness. According to *The Athletic*, the club’s recruitment team has identified several priority positions, including central defender, right-sided forward, striker, and goalkeeper, leading to a focused recruitment strategy.
Marc Guehi is the preferred target for the centre-back position, while Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has emerged as another name of interest. In the attacking department, the club is keeping an eye on Bryan Mbeumo, Anthony Elanga, and Antoine Semenyo, with Liam Delap being spotlighted as a viable striker option. Recent recruitment meetings have allowed Newcastle to refine their target list and ensure a calculated approach to this summer’s acquisitions.
With the possibility of qualifying for the Champions League, Newcastle is aware that the transfer prices could skyrocket, especially as other clubs will acknowledge the Magpies’ boosted financial capability. Lessons learned from last year’s drawn-out mini-saga involving Guehi have prompted Newcastle to adopt a more proactive stance this time around.
### Real Madrid Lead in Huijsen Pursuit
The race for Dean Huijsen appears to be leaning heavily in favor of Real Madrid, with the young defender possibly turning his back on interest from several Premier League clubs. Chelsea was seen as the frontrunner among English sides vying for the Bournemouth defender, but it seems that Arsenal and Liverpool were also contemplating a bid.
According to *The Telegraph*, Real Madrid’s recent efforts have placed them in a dominant position to secure Huijsen’s services. Despite Chelsea making a strong initial play, Madrid’s willingness to meet the £50 million release clause—reportedly able to be paid in multiple installments—offers a significant advantage. Moreover, Madrid is believed to be prepared to offer Huijsen a lucrative salary that far surpasses Chelsea’s potential offer, making the prospect of joining the Spanish giants an appealing option for the defender.